As a woman from South Sudan, I have always felt a deep connection to the land. However, for too long, my voice and the voices of many women like me have been marginalized in discussions about our natural resources. That changed when I participated in a training program focused on advocating for women’s inclusion in natural resource governance. This experience has transformed my life and my community.

Finding My Voice

Before the training, I often felt powerless. Decisions about resource management were made by men, and women were rarely included. But through this program, I learned that my insights and experiences matter. The workshops taught me about my rights, the importance of governance, and how women can play a critical role in shaping policies that affect our lives.

Gaining Essential Skills

The training equipped me with invaluable skills. I learned negotiation techniques, resource management strategies, and how to advocate effectively for my community’s needs. With these tools, I felt a newfound confidence. No longer was I just a participant; I became an active advocate for change.

Making an Impact

One of the most empowering moments came when I joined a group of fellow women leaders to lobby for our community’s needs. Together, we successfully pushed for the inclusion of gender-sensitive policies in our local resource management plan. It was exhilarating to see our voices resonate with decision-makers, and for the first time, I felt that our concerns were taken seriously.

Community Transformation

The impact of this training extends beyond my personal growth. I have seen firsthand how empowering women leads to stronger, more resilient communities. With more women involved in governance, we are beginning to address issues like resource allocation and environmental sustainability more effectively. Our discussions now include diverse perspectives, leading to more balanced and inclusive solutions.

A Vision for the Future

As I look to the future, I am committed to continuing this work. I want to inspire other women to find their voices and advocate for our rights. We are not just participants in our communities; we are leaders who can drive change.

This story is adopted from a beneficiary of the training on “Advocating For Women’s Inclusion In Natural Resource Governance In South Sudan”

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