Achol Nuer, a 35-year-old mother of five, was displaced by severe flooding and forced to settle in New Paloch Payam, Melut County—an area already torn by inter-communal violence, leaving many women and children without a home, no stable source of income, or a sense of protection. With her husband unemployed and cultural norms keeping women confined to domestic roles, Achol faced daily hardship trying to feed and protect her family in a community where safety and income were scarce. 

Two years ago, Achol lost everything to flooding—her home, belongings, and access to basic necessities. As a displaced mother with no income and five children to feed, survival was a daily challenge. That changed when she joined a group of ten women participating in an income-generating activity (IGA) through the EMPOWER project, funded by Irish Aid and implemented by World Vision South Sudan. In partnership with Africa Democracy and Resilience Network and the Christian Agency for Peace and Development, the project’s aim is to protect and empower women and girls displaced by the devastating effects of conflicts. It also aims to close the economic gap and respond to the violence women and girls experience.

"I have started my small business at home, which is helping me to pay school fees for my children. I now know how to save money and manage my family wisely. My husband and I share responsibilities and take care of our children together. This has become a big part of my daily life, and I am gateful," Achol says proudly. "This business has also enabled me to provide different types of food like meat, chicken, and fish for my family, which has ultimately changed my children's health."

But Achol's journey wasn't only about financial stability. She also gained confidence and learned how to speak up for herself. She now participates actively in group discussions at the New Paloch Women and Girls Friendly Space every Thursday, where she shares her experiences and learns from others. “Every Thursday, we come to this centre to discuss issues affecting women and girls in our community. Whenever I come here, I feel relieved and motivated by the experiences of other women to become self-reliant women in my community," Achol expresses. 

Achol says that she is now able to talk infront of people she has never seen before including men, which was not the case before. “I was not able to talk to people I had never met before because of fear, but now I can talk to everyone, and keeping eye contact, something that was considered a taboo in our community.”

To women and girls like Achol, New Paloch Women and Girls Friendly Space is more than just a place where women and girls gather to share stories and find support. It's a space where mothers like her can gain new skills, empowering them to contribute to their family's well-being, and even start and manage their own businesses. This space has become a catalyst for change, enabling Achol to break free from dependence and forge a path towards financial independence and a brighter future.