Empowering Women and Girls in Mangatten Camp: A Journey of Transformation
Before the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world, Hope Restoration, with generous funding from CARE International, launched a life-changing project in the Mangatten IDP Camp in Central Equatoria. Between 2019 and 2021, “Raising Women’s Voices, Rights and Ownership project” reached over 600 women and girls, transforming lives in ways previously unimaginable.
Through this initiative, participants gained valuable skills in Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) like sewing, baking, knitting, tailoring and crocheting. Many of these women have since graduated from the program and are now independent, using their new skills to support themselves and their families. Equally important, they’ve acquired essential leadership abilities, empowering them to take on roles within their communities, before our intervention, would have been considered unattainable for women.
Thanks to CARE’s funding and Hope Restoration’s dedicated efforts, women in Mangatten IDP camp now make informed choices, their voices are heard, and they actively shape decisions in their communities.
A Ripple Effect of Empowerment
This month, during HRSS Monitoring and Evaluation on the impact of the project, Championed by Jacob Gatluak HRSS M&E officer, we were overjoyed to witness the far-reaching impact of the project. The women we trained have 2- 3 years ago become trailblazers, not only for their families but for the entire camp.
Out of the 600 women and girls initially trained in Income Generating Activities, they have in turn trained over 2,000 more women and girls in the camp. Today, many of these women are employed and contributing economically to their households and the broader community.
The camp’s leadership landscape has shifted dramatically. Women now serve on the camp’s committee, a feat that would have been unimaginable before our intervention. These women are making key decisions and advocating for the needs of their communities.
Women are also chairing meetings, often attended by men, confidently leading discussions that affect the future of their camp. The leadership training they received through the project has given them the confidence to step up and take charge.
Perhaps one of the most significant changes is in the area of women’s rights. Women now know their rights to inheritance and are standing firm in defending them. They are no longer silent or sidelined but are active participants in advocating for gender equality.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Continued Support to CARE International and Other Donors.
While we celebrate the progress achieved, there is still much more to be done. The women of Mangatten camp have expressed their deep desire for the project to continue, so that more women can be empowered. Their hope is to reach even more women and girls, equipping them with skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead better lives.
As we move forward, the remarkable achievements of these women remind us of the power of education, training, and empowerment. Together, we have changed lives, and with continued support, we can change even more.
Hope Restoration, in partnership with CARE, remains committed to fostering a future where women’s voices are not just heard but lead the way. Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can empower more women, create more leaders, and build stronger communities.
PICTORIAL GALLERY DURING PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION.
