By Alan Clement
Chairperson of Toposa Women Association in Eastern Equatoria, has called on women to contribute to family financial well-being.
Eunice Nakwar, who was recently elected, challenged traditional beliefs that put the entire burden of providing for the family, solely on men. He urged women to also do their part.
Nakwar urged women to be self-reliant to support their husbands, financially.
“You go and do business. As you can see from the market, it is foreigners who are dominating the market right now. You also need to do business such that you can help your husband. If the husband does not have a job, a woman should help provide for the children,” Nakwar emphasised.
She stressed that embracing self-reliance and contributing financially can enhance household stability and improve living standards for family.
Nakwar’s appeal marks a progressive step towards redefining gender roles within the Toposa community, promoting a shared responsibility for economic prosperity.
In an interview, Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Gender, Jennifer Nabogorika attested to the evolving change in gender roles.
“I think even this is what is taking place; the women have taken over all over South Sudan. Women are now becoming the heads of the families; they are the most caring people, and they are the ones contributing. When you see even in the market, they are the ones contributing,” she said.
The minister asserted that women have proven their entrepreneurial capabilities and managing family affairs. She didn’t leave out urging men to keep up supporting their wives.
“This means women are now coming up in terms of business and in terms of taking care of their families. Our request is now for the men to continue supporting them, especially in the business areas, so that the women can become more supportive,” she added.
Nabogorika pointed out that unfortunately, due to the hardworking nature of the women, some men have become very lazy and are now dependent on women.
The minister urged that, this shouldn’t deter the women from going about their activities and she encouraged men to work hand-in-hand with the women to ensure financial stability in the households.
According to Nabogorika, women are always encouraged by the government to cultivate and do business.
“Business does not mean you start with big things, as our governor always advised them. He advised that, always starting with small things, like even 2 chickens. Tomorrow the business will grow,” she said.
Nabogorika said at least 50 percent of women in Eastern Equatoria know about business, their rights, and balancing family responsibilities.