By Innocent Bidal Emmanuel
The Commissioner, Eng. Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with UNMISS, development partners, and communities to promote women’s participation, livelihoods, peace, and development.
During his official declaration and handing over of the Kuda Women and Girls Friendly Space in Dolo Payam, he expressed hope that it will become a lasting center of knowledge, opportunity, empowerment, peace, and hope for the women and girls.
The facility was handed over to the community through Vine of Hope Africa (VoHA) as the host and implementing partner, with support from UNMISS.
The ceremony was attended by the Director General for Child and Social Welfare, representatives of UNMISS and the United Nations agencies, the Juba County officials, Payam and Boma authorities, chiefs and traditional leaders, representatives of women, youth, and members of the Kuda community.
Commissioner Eng. Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia commended UNMISS and its partners for supporting the construction of the center, describing it as an important platform for women’s empowerment, skills development, livelihood activities, peacebuilding, and community transformation.
“He encouraged women and girls to use the facility to access knowledge, psychosocial support, vocational skills, and information services,” he stated.
He called on the women of Kuda to take ownership of the center by protecting and using it responsibly.
He encouraged them to organise into groups and cooperatives, engage in agriculture and small businesses, mentor young women and girls, and participate actively in community leadership and decision-making.
“Commissioner Wani further directed that activities at the center be coordinated with the Juba County Women Association and relevant county authorities to promote proper management and sustainability,” the statement added.
He also called for cooperation among women, youth, traditional leaders, security organs, and the wider community to maintain peace and protect the facility as a shared community asset.