South Sudan: Bor's Community Member's Journey to Gender Equality Inspires a Community

John Akech narrated to the FEED II team his story in Bor, Jonglei State. CARE International South Sudan

When it comes to gender equality in communities, many believe that progress is slow and difficult to achieve. However, one man's story from Kolnyang County, Jonglei state, South Sudan, proves that change is possible. Meet John Akech, 25 years old, a farmer and a father of three, who has changed his views on women's leadership through his participation in the Social Analysis and Action (SAA) program under the Fortifying Equality and Economic Diversification II project CARE International offers through the Global Affairs Canada financial support. SAA is a facilitated process through which individuals and communities explore and challenge the social norms, beliefs, and practices that shape their lives and are at the root of the development problems that CARE seeks to address. 
As a member of the Mading Gal Field Farmers Business School /Beekeeping producer group in Kolnyang Payam, John Akech used to hold traditional views on gender roles.  He believed that men were the natural leaders and that women should play a supporting role in the kitchen and agriculture. However, things began to change when he joined the FEED II project in April 2023, the SAA approach offered by CARE International aims to explore and challenge social norms, beliefs, and practices that promote gender equality in agriculture and empower women to take on leadership roles.  

Fortifying Equality and Economic Diversification for Resilience (FEED II) is a women’s empowerment initiative that uses a food security and livelihoods platform. The project's objective is to reduce inequalities between women and men in access to and control over resources to enhance food security in South Sudan. John was impressed by the program's approach and impact on his perception of women's leadership. He said, "I view women differently now. I see them as capable leaders who can bring positive change to our community." John's group's chairperson is a woman, which was previously seen as inappropriate given the presence of males in the group. However, John's perception shifted as a result of the training sessions, and the chairperson is now held in high esteem by her colleagues. He said meetings called by the chairwoman are never missed by any member of the group. According to John, gender norms are not strictly enforced in his family. He can help lighten his wife's load by bathing their infant while she's in the kitchen.  

John's story is a powerful example of the transformative impact of the SAA approach on gender norms in rural communities. The program changed John's perception of women's leadership and helped him see the value of sharing household responsibilities with his wife. As a result, John's family is a model of happiness and oneness, which has inspired his community to rethink gender roles. The ripple effect of the SAA program is undeniable, and John's experience is just one of many success stories demonstrating its power to bring positive change to target communities. The program has empowered women to become community leaders, increased their participation in decision-making processes, and improved their access to resources. As a result, women are now playing a more significant role in agriculture, contributing to their families' income and enhancing their livelihoods. 
 
John's story shows that change is possible, and we can all promote gender equality in our communities. The Social Analysis and Action (SAA) tool of CARE’s FEED II project has empowered women to challenge the social norms, beliefs, and practices that shape their lives and are at the root of the development problems that CARE seeks to address. At CARE, one of our commitments is working towards a more equal world where women and girls can thrive, regardless of their status.