Empowering women through agriculture in Anyidi Payam (Jonglei State) - #International Day of Rural Women 2021

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Mary Athou, 45

“Agriculture is one of the ways to empower women at the grassroots level because it does not need one to write but dig with the skills they acquire from different organizations,” says Mary Athou, 45. Her words may sound simple but are powerful and carry a lot of weight.  This words come from a place of disappointment due to gender inequality that is triggered by cultural norms. This gender inequality has for years deprived girls and women of their right to attain an education making women lag. The mother of five, who is the bread winner of her family, depends purely on agriculture as her source of income.


Mary in her farm


She recalls that during her childhood, growing up was not easy. “As a woman in my community, we had limited opportunities which made life quite challenging but am glad that a lot has changed today because Organizations like CARE are here, not only to provide help, but build resilience and make us self-reliant.” she says. Mary is a FEED II participant and a farmer in one of the Farmer Field Business Schools (FFBS) group called “Akuol Nyichol” named after a grandmother of a clan in Anyidi.

FEED II is a women economic empowerment project using a Food Security and Livelihoods platform in 7 States of South Sudan. As a CARE participant, Mary also benefited from services offered at the women and girls’ friendly space especially the GBV awareness sessions. “I learned that GBV comes in many forms and mostly women in the rural areas are ignorant about it. I was able to share the same knowledge with my family especially my daughters and my extended family members so that if anyone experiences any form of violence, they should not hesitate to report because one will get lifesaving assistance.”

The training and awareness session is what will bring change to the community. According to Mary, she is a testament to that change. “Our confidence as women has been boosted through the gender training that we received; with our hard work and the support from FEED II, I have high hopes that my life will not be the same as we have started farming in our group farm because we will be trained on modern agricultural skills. In the harvesting season, I will be able to save and sell my crops in the market.” Mary said.

In conclusion Mary Athou says; “As the world celebrates the Day of Rural Women, I am glad that our efforts are recognized and this will help show the world that even if women were not fortunate enough to go to school, there is also another way they can be included in the development of their country through farming that contributes to development.

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