Some of the women entrepreneurs pose with the Undersecretary, Project Manager, and partners to mark a milestone.
Juba, South Sudan — November 10, 2025- A wave of celebration swept through Juba as 249 women
entrepreneurs signed grant agreements with the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare under the
Women Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility (WEOF), a component of the South Sudan Women’s Social
and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP).
The signing ceremony, held Thursday, marked a historic shift from humanitarian dependency to
enterprise-driven financial independence. Implemented by UN Women in partnership with the
International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Open Capital Advisors (OCA), the initiative is funded by the
World Bank and aims to transform the economic landscape for women across South Sudan.
Of the 249 recipients, 245 women under the Seed Lab received grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000,
while four Growth Lab entrepreneurs secured between $15,000 and $50,000. These grants follow a
rigorous multi-phase training process, including a 5-day Boot Camp and a 10-module Accelerator
Program focused on business modeling, financial literacy, market insights, and gender-responsive
strategies.
Hon. Esther Ikere Eluzai, Undersecretary of the Ministry, signed on behalf of the government and
delivered a powerful message:
“This money is earned, not given. Through tough eligibility criteria, you proved your readiness. We are
changing the narrative from humanitarian dependency to enterprise-driven independence.”
Jane Tumalu, Chairperson of the Grants and TA Committee, praised the women’s resilience:
“We feared the criteria might be too tough. But today, we celebrate women who rose to the challenge.”
IRC Country Director Richard Orengo emphasized the broader impact:
“When you boost women’s businesses, they employ other women. This has a multiplier effect across
communities.”
UN Women’s Program Manager Lansana Wonneh reminded recipients that the journey has just begun:
“Receiving the grant is the beginning, not the end. We want to see your businesses move from small scale
to large scale.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr Timothy Yobuta, SSWSEEP Project Manager, captured the pure celebratory
spirit: “This is a day of joy. A day to go home singing all types of songs.” “Today is not about signing
grants and distributing money; today is really to emphasise that the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social
Welfare is committed to investing in women and girls, and that this program is clearly the pathway to get
not just you as women and girls, but all of us out of poverty.”
The event was filled with emotion and pride. Growth Lab beneficiary Adut Jervase recounted her journey:
“The interviews were tough, but I learnt a lot. When I received the call, I danced. There is something
good happening in my life.”
Seed Lab representative Dorrisilla Keji echoed the commitment:
“We will use the grants for their intended purpose. Thank you for believing in our vision.”