“My children are healthier”: Building resilient communities through the South Sudan Joint Response - #International Day of Rural Women 2021

Nyakoang Khan, 45

Nyakoang Khan, 45 –mother of five (3 boys and 2 girls) is a resident of Bhang, one of the villages in Koch –Unity State. Nyakoang lost her husband in Bentiu in 2013 during the South Sudan crisis between the government and opposition. As a widow and bread winner, Nyakoang used to walk miles in search of firewood to sell during the dry season and she would also cut grass to take to the market and buy food for her family. Out of her little earnings, she saved up to pay fees for her four children who are currently in school.

“Life hasn’t been easy since my husband was killed in the Bentiu conflict in 2013. Everything was destroyed by the war. I used to walk to the bush to collect firewood and sell it so that I can be able to buy food for my children. I also cut grass for thatching huts to support my children.”

Koch, where Nyakoang stays, has suffered the impact of the 2013 conflict, coupled with displacements and floods which has significantly affected livelihoods hence many people now rely on food aid which is not sufficient. In all these crises, women and children bore the brunt. “Last year there was flooding in Koch, so the floods destroyed our crops. I am happy with the seeds distribution because this intervention has given us hope.” says Nyakoang.

The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is reaching devastating new levels, with over 8.3 million - 70% of the population - now in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian needs across the country have significantly worsened due to a combination of flooding, protracted sub-national violence, economic decline, and some of the worst food insecurity in recent years, once more disproportionately affecting women, girls, children and the most vulnerable.  

In response to the humanitarian needs, CARE, and its partner HDC, through the South Sudan Joint Response resilience project supported Nyakoang with maize and vegetable seeds (Onions, Tomatoes and Okra). Apart from the seeds, the farmers were trained on better agricultural practices. CARE in Koch deliver programmes aimed at combating gender-based violence with activities such as providing psychosocial support, building livelihood skills, and thus allowing women to develop their own sources of income, safe spaces, cash to link them to justice systems and clinical management of rape as well as working with local service providers to improve their capacity to deal with cases. According to CARE’s gender officer in Koch, “A number of SGBV cases are reported to have happened when women have gone to collect firewood. To minimize the risk, they urge women to walk in groups or participate in other income generating activities.”

Food shortages and continued insecurity have increased the risk of rape; with women having to travel out of safety to collect food and firewood.  A CARE report indicates that 65% of women and girls in South Sudan report having experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. 

 With her newfound source of livelihood, Nyakoang will not take the perilous journey to collect firewood. She is now a member of the farmers group in her village, and her long walk in search of firewood has reduced.  “The reason I joined is because organizations give seeds and training on how to plant. I received the seeds and planted and now we have started eating fresh maize and the vegetables from my garden. I don’t need to buy vegetables from the market anymore and my children are now healthier.”