By Lado William Odiyo
A second cohort of over 50 participants from women-led Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), along with male allies, share their testimonies of healing following a training on psychosocial support and trauma counseling.
The initial training took place in May 2025, and was followed by a three-day support session held in Juba from August 12-14, 2025.
The follow-up training was conducted by the Peace Movement Netherlands Foundation (PAX) as part of their Empowered Women Influence (EWI) project, fully funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), with support from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The psychosocial support and trauma counselling is aimed to support the wellbeing of the participants to be better capacitated and strengthened in order to influence legislative and judicial reforms in the Republic of South Sudan.
In his keynote speech, the Country Director for PAX in South Sudan, Emmanuel Ira, applauded the participants for their commitment for turning up in high numbers to share their testimonies and the follow up training which marks the end to second cohort of CSOs this year on your wellbeing.
“When we looked around in South Sudan during the inception of the project, we found out that we don’t have many psychologists in the Country. Thus, we were fortunate to have contracted, a professional Psychologists, Rev. Dr. Alice Muse K. I consider this to be a blessing to PAX, as well as to the people of the Republic of South Sudan,” he said, referencing the relentless contributions of Rev. Dr. Alice Muse, the lead trainer in psychosocial support and trauma healing to the participants.
Furthermore, Emmanuel highlighted the positive impact of the earlier training to the CSOs, after attending the presentations on the last day of the training.
“Listening to all these presentations, it demonstrates the enormous potential to contribute positive to your communities and the people of South Sudan at large.”
He encouraged the attendees to embrace their roles as change agents, emphasizing, “You are now the empowered women and men because you have the courage to speak out aloud”.
The Project Officer for PAX, and who is managing EWI in South Sudan Martina Kani, stated, “The Empowered Women Influence Project aims not only to support women but also to include men in the journey toward social change. ”
“We are strengthening the capacity of not all only women; however, we have brought also men on board so that we journey together.” The program, which runs through 2026, accommodates 60% women and 40% men, ensuring a collaborative approach to community transformation.
Participants shared transformative experiences from the May 2025 as well as the current session in August 2025. Lado Kenyi, a participant from Men for Women, expressed gratitude for the training, stating, “I realized that it is always vital to listen to yourself… When you come out, you’re halfway healed.”
Another participant, Fatima John, reflected on her healing journey: “I needed to forgive myself and the person who hurt me and move on… I am grateful to the program because it it helped me to heal.”
On her part, the workshop facilitator and Psychologist, Rev. Dr. Alice Muse, emphasized the importance of addressing personal issues.
“We all have issues… It only depends on how you handle them,” she stated. Dr. Muse encouraged participants to confront their pain and offered practical advice for managing emotional challenges. “Go lock yourself in your room and just speak loudly and cry. That is a healing process,” she advised.
More participants echoed sentiments, sharing their struggles and growth. Nancy, a participant who preferred not to reveal her trauma, noted that the training provided her with tools to cope: “This program has really helped. It has empowered me.”
Kezia Musa, a female participant with a disability, shared her success in counseling a 19-year-old woman as a result of the training.
“At first, the lady didn’t want to narrate anything to me… She is now better and coping with her trauma issues,” she said, illustrating the ripple effect of the training on community members.
As the program continues to evolve, participants are encouraged to utilize their new skills to foster change in their communities.
Martina Kani urged the Civil Society members to apply their psychosocial skills effectively, stating, “Utilize the psychosocial skills to help your communities and influence legislation and judicial reforms in the country.”
The conclusion of this training marks a significant step in empowering women and male allies in South Sudan, fostering a culture of healing, support, and advocacy for legislative change.
On behalf of PAX, Emmanuel Ira extended his gratitude to the German Federal Foreign Office for the funding from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, which made it possible to organize a series of trainings as well as the subgrants to the National partners working in the difference field locations where the project in implemented until 2026.