Women's Empowerment Project Update: Udhum
Women's Empowerment Projects Show Remarkable Growth
This July, we witnessed extraordinary progress in Udhum in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State as women embrace new opportunities for economic independence and community leadership.
Udhum: Building Foundations for Sustainable Growth
In Udhum, Aweil West County, the women's group celebrated the successful delivery and installation of key equipment to revolutionize their income-generating capabilities.
New Infrastructure Brings New Opportunities
The completion of a temporary shelter for the women's group grinding mills marks a pivotal moment for the community. This facility will house both maize flour and peanut butter grinding mills, creating sustainable revenue streams while serving essential community needs. The installation process is currently underway, bringing the women closer to launching their milling operations.
Major equipment deliveries included community meeting tents and chairs, a public address system, tailoring machines with accessories, and grinding mills.
Skills Development Gaining Momentum
Ten women completed foundational sewing machine training, mastering essential skills including foot pedal operation, threading techniques, basic cloth sewing, and fabric cutting. Trainers noted that additional practice sessions will boost confidence levels.
Agricultural Innovation Yields Results
The drip irrigation system installed on a 40x45 meter vegetable farm continues to support year-round cultivation. July harvests of cowpeas, okra, and amaranthus improved family nutrition and generated income for participants, with individual earnings ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 SSP ($3.40 to $5.00). New plantings of kale and arugula promise continued prosperity in the coming months.
Looking ahead, the women's group has independently initiated groundnut farming on three feddans (acres) of land, demonstrating remarkable initiative and planning for large-scale peanut butter production. Planting of the remaining acreage is currently in progress.
Financial Empowerment Through Savings
The Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) continues to be a cornerstone of economic empowerment. Combined savings from both groups reached 3,000,000 SSP ($517) by July, with each 25-member group contributing 300,000 SSP ($52) monthly.
The loan program has proven equally successful, with 3,684,000 SSP ($635) disbursed across both groups and 1,473,600 SSP ($254) already repaid. This robust financial ecosystem has grown the total savings box support fund to 5,157,600 SSP ($889), creating a sustainable foundation for future growth.
Growing Empowerment in Udhum
These achievements represent more than statistics—they reflect the growing confidence, skills, and economic independence of women who are transforming their communities from within. The grinding mills in Udhum work synergistically with practical skills training, financial literacy, and community leadership development to create sustainable change that extends far beyond individual participants to strengthen the entire community.
The project continues to build momentum. Installation completion and ongoing training programs promise even greater achievements ahead.
Stay tuned and follow us on our social media platforms for more exciting updates about the Women's Empowerment Projects. Thank you for your commitment to supporting this vital work.
