October 24, 2024 – A group of women in South Sudan are now in the process of creating their own Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), a model designed to empower communities through collective saving and borrowing, thanks to a WPDI Business & Entrepreneurship program supported by SkinnyDipped. This is a critical step toward promoting financial literacy and economic empowerment among women in South Sudan. This initiative is part of WPDI’s broader effort to foster sustainable financial independence and community development, and follows on from the graduation of 114 women from some of the most underprivileged areas of Juba and Terekeka, back in spring.
The women participants also completed a Conflict Resolution Education (CRE) course, which is an invaluable asset as they establish and operate cooperative structures like the VSLAs. The skills gained through the CRE program—such as mediation, dialogue, and conflict management—equip these women with the ability to navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and ensure the long-term success of their cooperative groups.
This combination of financial literacy and conflict resolution is empowering these women to not only improve their own livelihoods but also contribute to the stability and growth of their communities, paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
As part of this initiative, the groups were allocated a global cheque worth $50,000—with $20,000 allocated to Terekeka County and $30,000 to Juba County. Each of the 10 VSLA groups will have $5,000 credited to their bank accounts as revolving funds to start or expand their businesses.
The VSLAs, which consist of 10-15 members, allow women to save money by purchasing shares and borrowing from the collective savings. This financial model helps create a sustainable fund for small, low-interest loans, giving the women a structured way to manage their finances and develop their businesses. The program also emphasizes transparency and accountability, with passbooks used to record each transaction and a management committee elected to oversee the group’s activities.
WPDI’s Women’s Livelihood Project seeks to address the barriers that women in South Sudan face, including limited access to land, finance, and information. Women in these regions are often disproportionately affected by poverty and violence, while also bearing the burden of household and childcare responsibilities. The program focuses on providing business training and financial support to empower women as entrepreneurs, helping to close the gender gap in economic participation.
The impact of this training was evident in the testimonies shared by the participants. Flora Africa, a graduate from the Munuki Center in Juba, expressed her gratitude: “Before attending this training, my business was suffering losses because I didn’t know how to manage it effectively. Thanks to the three-month course, I now have the skills to maximize profits, and I have already noticed an increase in my earnings.”
Another participant, Mary Joseph from Joppa in Juba, shared how the VSLA training transformed her approach to business: “Before the training, I would spend business money carelessly, but now I have learned to save, treat customers well, and diversify my business. Inspired by SkinnyDipped, I plan to establish a company specializing in bed sheet design and sewing clothes. I am hopeful that I’ll achieve this and help other vulnerable women along the way.”
The program has also garnered strong support from local leaders. Hon. Huda Micah Laila, Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare for Central Equatoria State, praised WPDI and SkinnyDipped for their transparency and commitment to empowering women, stating: “When you support 100 women, you support 1,000 people. When you support 1,000 women, you support the entire state, and by supporting the state, you uplift the whole nation.”
Margaret Appolo, Chairlady of the Central Equatoria State Women Union, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Many women struggle with small-scale businesses due to a lack of skills. With the training and financial assistance from WPDI and SkinnyDipped, these women now have the tools they need to grow their businesses, earn more income, and contribute to society.”
Asunta Paul Loku, Chairlady of the Terekeka Women Association, also expressed her appreciation: “Women here in Terekeka are the ones holding families together, but many are suffering. This support is greatly welcomed, and we thank WPDI and SkinnyDipped for their efforts.”
The partnership between WPDI and SkinnyDipped reflects a shared commitment to fostering peace, stability, and gender equality in conflict-affected communities. WPDI focuses on building resilience and promoting social cohesion, while SkinnyDipped, makers of delicious, better-for-you snacks, aims to partner with organizations like WPDI that empower women through economic opportunities. Together, they have created a robust program that not only provides critical skills but also facilitates access to funding, allowing women to start or grow their businesses.
The graduation ceremony was a powerful testament to the transformative potential of targeted business and entrepreneurship programs. By addressing key barriers to women’s economic participation, WPDI and SkinnyDipped have laid the groundwork for sustained empowerment and social change in South Sudan.
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