South Sudan Save the Children, Stanbic Bank and Stakeholders Discuss Ways of Empowering Women.
Representatives of stakeholders in a pannel discussion. Photo: Ezibon Saadalla / Save the Children
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN - [1]Negative social norms and practices have historically hindered the progress of women and girls in South Sudan. While women own 63% of the SMEs and only 5% have access to credit and loans which remains a key barrier to the growth and development of women- led enterprises.
On Monday, 26th August 2024, Save the children and Stanbic Bank organized an international development group (IDG) roundtable discussion - focused on overcoming barriers for women's empowerment in South Sudan.
More than 10 representatives from international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), donors, private sectors, women-led civil society organizations (CSOs), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) came together to discuss and agree on practical ways of improving women access to loans and financial institutions as well as market linkages including value addition to products. Participants included representatives from Sartorial by Hivita, Stanbic Bank, World Vision, Women Empowerment Alliance, South Sudan Women Empowerment Network, Femme Fashion Finds 211, Fiori Petals and Cakes, Nile Hope, South Sudan Red Cross, Sip & Shop, and Ma Mara Sakit.
During the discussion, profit and nonprofit organizations explored how socio-cultural beliefs and financial exclusion impact women's access to decision-making roles and sought solutions to address barriers to accessing and utilizing financial services. One example includes conducting joint advocacy for access to financial services and opportunities.
"Let us invest in South Sudan products and empower women. By buying goods produced in South Sudan, we are employing more people and strengthening our economy. When we buy goods from other countries, we are creating employment for those countries which is bad to our economy ", said Famari Barro, Save the Children Interim Country Director.
Christine Bwogi, World Vision’s Quality Assurance Manager, shared that, her organization is providing economic empowerment to women in South Sudan. "We have initiatives that empower women who produce local products. We engage them in various skills, such as mechanics, catering, engineering and provide them with the necessary tools to start their own businesses", said Christine.
Women in South Sudan face challenges of poverty, hard labor, sexual and gender-based violence. Opportunities for education and vocational training are limited, and laws and patriarchal norms restrict women’s ability to inherit land, start business, and take leadership roles in public affairs. Additionally, the majority over 4 million forcibly displaced South Sudanese are women and girls.
James Luala, Stanbic Bank’s Head of International Development Group in South Sudan said, emphasized that the bank is empowering women and creating more platforms for engagement.
Stakeholders plan to continue this discussion annually and collaborate with the government in policy-making that supports female entrepreneurs.
[1] https://africa.unwomen.org/en/stories/news/2023/06/south-sudan-launches-new-womens-social-and-economic-empowerment-project
