South Sudan: UNMISS Drives Economic Empowerment and Community Resilience for Displaced Women in Wau JUBA, South Sudan, August 20, 2025 – In South Sudan, a nation grappling with protracted conflict and severe humanitarian challenges, women in displaced communities often bear the immense responsibility of supporting their families single-handedly. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), in partnership with the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), organized a transformative event at the Naivasha camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Wau, Western Bahr El Ghazal, to promote economic empowerment, self-care, and community-led peacebuilding among women. The initiative, attended by approximately 70 women and 10 men, sought to address the multifaceted challenges faced by women in the camp, particularly single mothers striving to sustain their households amid a rapidly deteriorating economic and humanitarian crisis. The event emphasized the critical role of economic independence in enabling women to combat harmful societal practices, such as domestic violence and early or forced marriages, which severely limit girls’ access to education and future employment opportunities. Empowering Women Through Self-Care and Leadership United Nations Police Officer Esther Adeke delivered a powerful message on the importance of self-care as a foundation for empowerment and peacebuilding. “By prioritizing self-care—emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually—women become strong leaders, better listeners, and more patient negotiators,” she said. “Our families and communities draw courage from our example in pursuing peace.” Adeke highlighted that while the women of Naivasha camp are well-organized and resilient, their ability to thrive depends on nurturing their own well-being alongside their economic endeavors. The event provided a platform for women to share their experiences and aspirations. Christina Eliano Kamilo, deputy chairperson of the Naivasha camp, underscored the urgent need for economic support. “Many women here are single mothers who must support their entire households,” she said. “We need more assistance to achieve economic independence and survive these difficult times.” Economic empowerment, she noted, is not only about financial stability but also about enabling women to secure better futures for their children, particularly their daughters. Addressing Gender-Based Challenges and Harmful Practices In South Sudan, women and girls face disproportionate impacts from conflict, including widespread gender-based violence and societal pressures that perpetuate early or forced marriages. These practices often force girls out of school, limiting their access to education and, consequently, their economic prospects. Elizabeth Akech, a community member, emphasized the ripple effect of women’s economic empowerment: “When women have better incomes, they can ensure their daughters stay in school. Childcare should be a shared responsibility so that we can exercise our rights and secure our independence. ”By fostering economic opportunities, UNMISS aims to empower women to break cycles of poverty and violence, enabling them to advocate for their rights and those of their children. The initiative also highlighted the need for systemic changes to address gender inequities, such as shared caregiving responsibilities, to allow women greater freedom to pursue education, employment, and leadership roles. Strengthening Community-Police Relations A key component of the event was building trust between the displaced community and the South Sudan National Police Service. Many women in the Naivasha camp have experienced or fear violence and abuse, yet lack confidence in reporting incidents due to distrust in local authorities. The partnership between UNMISS and SSNPS sought to bridge this gap by fostering dialogue and collaboration. “This partnership will foster trust and encourage women to report incidents of violence and abuse,” said Patrick Andrea, the Naivasha camp chairperson. By engaging local police in community-led initiatives, UNMISS aims to create a safer environment where women feel empowered to seek justice and protection. This trust-building effort is critical in a context where crime prevention and response mechanisms are often strained by resource limitations and ongoing insecurity. A Call to Action: Filling the Cup The event concluded with an inspiring call to action for the women of Naivasha camp: “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Fill your cup daily with love, rest, and hope to give more to your families and communities.” This message underscored the importance of self-care as a prerequisite for resilience and leadership, encouraging women to prioritize their well-being while pursuing economic and social empowerment. Broader Context and Impact South Sudan remains one of the world’s most challenging humanitarian environments, with over 4 million people displaced due to conflict, economic collapse, and climate-related crises. Women and girls, who make up a significant portion of the displaced population, face heightened vulnerabilities, including food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and exposure to gender-based violence. Initiatives like the UNMISS event in Wau are part of broader efforts to address these challenges by empowering women as agents of change in their communities. By combining economic empowerment with peacebuilding and community-police collaboration, UNMISS is fostering a holistic approach to resilience in South Sudan. The Naivasha camp initiative serves as a model for how targeted interventions can uplift women, strengthen community cohesion, and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace and development. As South Sudan continues to navigate its complex challenges, empowering displaced women like those in Naivasha camp is not just a matter of economic necessity but a critical step toward gender equality, social justice, and lasting peace.
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