Juba, South Sudan—February 20, 2025
In a groundbreaking step towards fostering gender equality and economic empowerment, the
Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, in partnership with UN Women, has unveiled the
Women Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility (WEOF).
This pivotal initiative, supported by the World Bank, aims to dismantle financial barriers faced
by women entrepreneurs and provide them with essential resources to thrive in the business
landscape.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Open Capital Advisors (OCA) are implementing
the initiative under the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project
(SSWSEEP).
During the launch event, Hon. Aya Benjamin Warrille, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social
Welfare
Hon. Aya Benjamin Warrille, Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, officially inaugurates the Women Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility (WEOF) by signing the ceremonial foam board, symbolizing a historic step towards empowering women entrepreneurs across South Sudan
emphasised the initiative’s significance in promoting an inclusive society. She stated,
“The establishment of WEOF is a testament to our commitment to creating an inclusive society
where women have equal access to economic opportunities. This fund aims to provide financial
support, training, and resources to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to grow their businesses.
By doing so, we are not only empowering individual women but also contributing to the overall
economic development of our nation.”
The WEOF is designed to address critical challenges such as limited access to capital, inadequate
training, and lack of networking opportunities.
By offering grants, business development services, and mentorship programs, the initiative seeks
to create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs to excel. The project aims to support
1,200 women-led micro, small, medium, and large enterprises (MSMEs) across South Sudan.
The activity is being implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Open
Capital. WEOF will offer comprehensive support, including finance access, business training,
and mentorship. This initiative not only enhances economic opportunities for women but also
promotes a more equitable and inclusive society.
The ultimate goal is to demonstrate the commercial viability of investing in women-owned
businesses and to drive economic prosperity for all.
Speaking on behalf of the implementing partners at the launch, IRC Deputy Program Director
Mr. Cosmas Ayella expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting their commitment to
fostering resilience. He added, “We stand ready to ensure its successful implementation together
with Open Capital.”
On his part, UN Women’s Program Manager for South Sudan, Lansana Wonneh, praised the
initiative’s innovation and analytical approach. He remarked, “The women of South Sudan have
been waiting for this moment.”
Mr. Clinton Amaji, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Gender’s project management unit for
the project, emphasised the WEOF initiative’s critical role within SSWSEEP. He encouraged
women to seize the opportunity, stating, “Encourage every woman out there to grab this
opportunity to grow their business.”
In her closing remarks, Minister Warrille expressed gratitude to the World Bank, UN Women,
and all partners involved. She highlighted the collective efforts required for the initiative’s
success and called on stakeholders to join hands in this noble endeavour. “Empowering women
is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. By supporting the WEOF, we are
making a strategic investment in the future of our nation.”
The launch of the Women Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility marks a significant milestone in
South Sudan’s journey towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. As the initiative
takes off, it promises to transform the landscape for women entrepreneurs, fostering growth and
driving economic development across the nation.