Arop Jonchol
The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in South Sudan has signed an executive agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to kick-start the construction of several vital facilities, including a safe house in the capital, Juba. The initiative falls under the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP).
In an official statement, Undersecretary of the Ministry, Ms. Esther Ikere Eluzai, described the agreement as a “historic milestone” in the implementation of the project, affirming that it reflects the government’s commitment to achieving social justice and empowering women and girls through the provision of safe spaces and specialized services for survivors of gender-based violence.
Eluzai emphasized that the project is not limited to women alone but also includes men and boys who have experienced violence. She stressed that the initiative plays a key role in promoting economic inclusion and building the capacity of state institutions.
From the UNOPS side, Ms. Brucktaweit Metiko Weldgiorgis, Director of Support Services, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working with the government to ensure that the infrastructure is implemented to the highest standards. She noted that the project aims to create safe and enabling environments for women and girls across the country.
SSWSEEP Project Manager, Mr. Timothy Yobuta, highlighted that the agreement marks the official start of the implementation phase. He noted that the planned facilities will significantly enhance service delivery and provide inclusive spaces for social and economic empowerment programs.
The SSWSEEP project was signed between the Government of South Sudan and the World Bank in June 2022. It aims to promote gender equality and provide sustainable support for women’s social and economic empowerment initiatives.
As part of the agreement, the project will include the construction of a new headquarters for the Ministry, a safe house in Juba, and two community economic centers for women in Wau and Torit. These centers will support social entrepreneurship and provide essential resources for the growth and development of women and girls across the country.
