Case/Context:
Tali Boma in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State, like many areas in South Sudan, is patriarchal. Women have been at the receiving end of dehumanization as they try to break through in areas dominated by men, especially business.
Before the Intervention:
Christine Khamisa has been fighting for fair treatment and distribution of opportunities for both men and women. To her, this has been an endless fight as there were few or no safe spaces that allowed women to freely express their views and have equal opportunities and endeavors as their male counterparts.
Christine Khamisa anguished in frustration as their opportunities were taken by men, yet they couldn’t find a platform to have their voices heard. Many women’s businesses failed because there was already an existing stereotype that perceived women’s businesses as failures and unsuccessful.
Quote:
“We the women are not treated equally with men in many occasions, but we are glad that Salaam Junub and UNDP, with support from Sweden, are helping us to share our challenges in the same space with men through TTT. Now there is recognition for women, especially in business.” – Khamisa
Nature of Intervention:
Salaam Junub, with support from UNDP and Sweden, supported Khamisa’s group with tools to help create self-employment. The TTT dialogue forum has been a safe space where Khamisa and other women can freely express their concerns, seek to let men deeply understand gender dynamics, and call for equal opportunities.
After the Intervention:
Khamisa and other women engaged in agriculture and small businesses to generate income are now able to fully participate without fear. They now inspire other women to create businesses. Through the Take Tea Together, they are now able to raise their challenges, propose solutions, and seek collaboration with their male counterparts.