At the heart of Morobo County in Central Equatoria State, the Support for Peace and Education Development Programme (SPEDP) is leading a transformative initiative at the local women’s center, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under the RSRTF (Reconciliation, Stabilization, and Resilience Trust Fund) project. This initiative is designed to empower women through various skills-building activities that are not only enhancing their economic opportunities but also fostering community resilience and social cohesion.
The women’s center has become a vibrant hub of learning and entrepreneurship, where participants are acquiring valuable skills in diverse trades. Activities at the center include Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), where women are trained in financial literacy and savings practices, enabling them to start their own businesses or invest in community projects. This collective approach to savings and loans is fostering a sense of solidarity and economic empowerment among the women, allowing them to pool resources and support each other’s ventures.
In addition to financial skills, the project offers hands-on training in practical crafts and trades. Women are learning the art of liquid soap making, a skill that not only provides them with a marketable product but also meets essential household needs. Similarly, bedsheet knitting and baking classes, including the production of cookies and bread, are opening up new avenues for income generation. These activities are empowering women to take control of their economic futures, providing them with the tools and knowledge to build sustainable livelihoods.
The impact of these activities extends beyond individual empowerment. By engaging in these shared learning experiences, women in Morobo County are strengthening their social networks, building trust, and contributing to the stability and resilience of their communities. The RSRTF project is more than just a skills training program—it is a catalyst for change, fostering a sense of purpose and unity among participants.
As the women of Morobo County continue to grow their skills and businesses, they are not only improving their own lives but also setting an example for others. Through the combined efforts of SPEDP and IOM, this initiative is helping to create a more inclusive and prosperous community, where women are at the forefront of economic and social development.
