Outcome SSD_D_1.2

Women and men in South Sudan, particularly youth and vulnerable groups, benefit from and contribute to more sustainable and inclusive economic development, with increased economic diversification, improved climate change adaptation and greater resilience to economic shocks

In 2025, UN Women supported 28,987 women and girls to access information, goods, resources, and services through UN Women–supported platforms and programmes in humanitarian and development settings. UN Women advanced women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth by combining technical assistance, financial resources, and capacity building, creating sustainable pathways for women’s entrepreneurship, income generation, and collective action. Through the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP), UN Women provided technical support and capacity building to 600 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 18 large businesses, enhancing business sustainability and diversification. Of these, 153 businesses received direct grants. This is envisioned to enable women entrepreneurs to expand operations, improve productivity, and better withstand economic shocks. At the community level, UN Women strengthened grassroots financial resilience through 825 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). A total of 21,569 women gained improved access to economic information through 11 community awareness meetings, supporting informed financial decision-making and collective savings. 425 new, 240 existing, and 160 progressive VSLA groups were formed and strengthened, with members benefiting from targeted training, VSLA kits, and preparation for access to productive assets in 2026. These interventions enhanced women’s capacity to absorb shocks, invest in livelihoods, and adapt to changing economic and environmental conditions. With funding from the Government of Japan, UN Women reached 6,500 women and girls, addressing both economic vulnerability and protection risks. Economic resilience was reinforced through financial literacy training and entrepreneurship support, alongside the establishment of 25 VSLAs engaging 750 women and girls. Participants received tailored training in financial literacy, business management, and entrepreneurship, enabling them to diversify income sources and improve economic stability. Among these participants, 320 women accessed start-up capital, with 70 per cent reporting increased income by the end of the assessment period. Beyond income generation, UN Women’s economic programming strengthened social cohesion and community resilience. VSLA groups fostered trust, mutual support, and collective problem-solving across diverse communities, reinforcing social networks critical for coping with economic and climate-related shocks. Adjustments to address literacy barriers and logistical constraints ensured inclusive participation and sustained progress, particularly for the most vulnerable women. UN Women’s integrated approach to economic empowerment in 2025 enabled women and girls not only to benefit from economic opportunities but also to actively contribute to more inclusive and resilient local economies. By strengthening women-led enterprises, expanding access to finance, and reinforcing community-based savings and support systems, UN Women advanced sustainable economic development, improved resilience to economic shocks, and laid foundations for longer-term economic diversification and stability in South Sudan.

Women and men in South Sudan, particularly youth and vulnerable groups, benefit from and contribute to more sustainable and inclusive economic development, with increased economic diversification, improved climate change adaptation and greater resilience to economic shocks

Women, men, and youth in South Sudan, particularly from internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities, are now experiencing improved livelihoods and enhanced economic resilience through inclusive and sustainable economic development initiatives. In 2024, through start-up grants provided by UN Women, 900 members of Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) (660 women and 240 men) are now benefitting from diversified incomes and strengthened economic security. This progress is demonstrated by a remarkable 202.31% increase in their collective savings, rising from $1,714 to $5,183 over 18 months. This growth underscores their enhanced financial independence and improved ability to adapt to economic shocks. Subsequently, as a result of the establishment of 50 small businesses, 123 individuals (81 women and 42 men) now have access to employment opportunities further leading to transformative changes in their lives and amplifying economic benefits within the community. Additionally, women have reported increased financial autonomy and a greater ability to provide consistent support for their households. Furthermore, IDPs and host community members employed through these businesses now have valuable skills in business operations and management, equipping them with the tools needed for future self-reliance and sustainable economic participation. As a direct result of UN Women’s strategic efforts, 300 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) have been established in South Sudan, engaging 1,500 individuals, including 450 women and 1,050 youth under 35 years old. This initiative has significantly enhanced employment opportunities, improved market access, and increased income generation for women and youth. Furthermore, through a pivotal collaboration between UN Women and Stanbic Bank, 234 of these MSEs now have access to interest-free loans totaling approximately USD 534,981, unlocking critical financial resources to sustain and grow their businesses.

Women and men in South Sudan, particularly youth and vulnerable groups, benefit from and contribute to more sustainable and inclusive economic development, with increased economic diversification, improved climate change adaptation and greater resilience to economic shocks

Through the year 1500 women and youth were supported to establish and grow MSEs and supported to enable them to contribute to inclusive economic development through participating the agro based value chains.