Celebrating Resilience and Enterprise: International Women's Day in South Sudan
Women entrepreneurs made sales worth thousands of dollars at a mini bazaar.
'Despite the challenges of poverty in our community, I have become more self-reliant through the skills I've gained from ITC initiatives. I no longer struggle to afford basic necessities, and I am determined to succeed in all my business plans.' – Betty Poni, Nile Organics Ltd.
'I've lived in fear every moment of my life due to the countless conflicts, but I won't let that stop me from running my business and maintaining my records. As a proud beneficiary, I made $2,800 in cash sales today!" – Mama Awuro, New Dawn Life Ltd.
On March 7, 2025, two determined women— Mama Awuro and Betty Poni—stood tall among a cohort of women entrepreneurs at the International Women's Day (IWD) Market made possible through the EU-funded MARKUP II programme and ITC SheTrades.
For Betty Poni, the journey was one of transformation. A passionate producer of South Sudanese gum arabic and coffee, she had the product but lacked the skills and knowledge to market it effectively. Like many small business owners, Poni struggled with branding, packaging, and reaching new customers.
Through MARKUP II, she received targeted training on product presentation, brand visibility, and customer engagement—learning how to create packaging that resonated with buyers and told her story. These tools not only elevated her business but also boosted her confidence. At the IWD Market, she sold $3,100 worth of her products and, more importantly, left with something money can't buy: belief in her ability to grow and compete.
Mama Awuro's story was shaped by a different struggle—decades of conflict, uncertainty, and survival. She had built a business in the face of adversity, selling local food products like jam, okra, shea butter, and tea.
But she often operated in the shadows, unsure of how to scale or keep financial records, and constantly wary of what tomorrow might bring. MARKUP II helped her unlock that next level. She was coached on record-keeping, pricing, and refining her product presentation. For the first time, she felt in control of her business.
On March 7th, she confidently displayed her goods, connected with buyers, and achieved a staggering $2,800 in sales. 'I refuse to let fear stop me,' she declared.
Their stories reflect the broader impact of the International Women's Day Market 2025, held at the European Union (EU) compound in Juba. Organized under the ITC SheTrades initiative and MARKUP II, the one-day market brought together 18 women-led enterprises, showcasing a rich variety of locally made products—gum Arabic, leather goods, coffee, and more.
The event provided a critical platform for women entrepreneurs to sell directly to buyers from the diplomatic corps, NGOs, and the private sector. Collectively, participants earned over $10,000 in sales, building valuable trade linkages and gaining insights into customer preferences.
Officially opened by EU Ambassador Timo Olkkonen, the exhibition sent a powerful message about the role of women in South Sudan's economic development. Ambassador Olkkonen acknowledged the barriers women face—security concerns, cultural norms, and limited infrastructure—but praised their resilience: 'We admire the strength and determination of South Sudanese women. Despite the odds, you are building, creating, and contributing to this country's future.'
Lucy Okello, ITC's SheTrades Coordinator, shared, 'Packaging has long been a barrier for women. Through MARKUP II, we're offering hands-on support and equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to grow.'
She also pointed to the untapped potential in South Sudan's leather industry, noting that most animal hides are discarded rather than processed, representing a missed opportunity for economic growth.
The day was filled with more than just transactions—it was a marketplace of learning and connection.
Participants interacted with branding experts, gained exposure to product standards, and networked with fellow entrepreneurs and international buyers. As one entrepreneur shared, 'Branding is about quality, not quantity—something we had not previously understood until today.'
Yet, even as the market celebrated its successes, it cast a spotlight on the ongoing challenges women face in South Sudan:
Access to finance remains limited due to high interest rates and lack of collateral.
Infrastructure gaps, such as unreliable electricity and inadequate roads, hamper business operations.
Cultural norms and insecurity continue to restrict women's mobility and opportunities.
Many women lack technical and digital skills necessary for business expansion.
Market access, especially to regional and international buyers, is still a major hurdle.
Despite these barriers, the energy and impact of the IWD Market 2025 signaled something deeper as Poni Olive from Corner Stone Wall Ltd., another successful participant, put it: 'We can proudly say that we have gained the skills and knowledge needed for success. Knowledge is power—that's why I felt confident making great sales today. We made it! And what better way to celebrate than on this year's International Women's Day? Thank you to the EU and ITC for making this possible.'
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TAG 91.1
12 hours ago
- TAG 91.1
UAE to host landmark parliamentary session with EU President
A landmark parliamentary session is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on Monday, as Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), hosts Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, for an official UAE–European session. This marks the first-ever visit by a sitting European Parliament President to the Gulf region, highlighting the growing strategic ties between the UAE and the European Union. The visit follows an official invitation from the FNC and comes at a key moment in UAE–EU relations, with negotiations underway for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The session at the FNC's Zayed Hall in Abu Dhabi will bring together senior ministers, EU diplomats and officials for a dialogue focused on boosting parliamentary cooperation and aligning positions on regional and global issues. As part of the agenda, the FNC will also host the 18th meeting of GCC parliamentary heads, with Metsola joining discussions to further strengthen GCC–EU relations.
Al Etihad
13 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi to host UAE-EU, GCC-EU parliamentary meetings
21 June 2025 12:06 ABU DHABI (WAM)Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), will hold a special UAE–European parliamentary session on session will be attended by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, marking the first official visit by a sitting European Parliament President to the Gulf region — a milestone that underscores the depth of the strategic relations and growing partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the European visit comes in response to an official invitation extended by the FNC Speaker and coincides with a pivotal phase in bilateral relations, particularly following the launch of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations between the UAE and the EU. The parliamentary dialogue reinforces a shared commitment to supporting formal diplomacy and advancing mutual interests, especially in economic and development visit will feature an official dialogue session between FNC and the European Parliament, aimed at exploring new horizons for parliamentary cooperation and aligning perspectives on key regional and international issues and special session, set to take place at the FNC's Zayed Hall in Abu Dhabi, will be attended by senior ministers, high-level officials, and representatives of the accredited EU missions in the UAE. As part of the visit's agenda, the FNC will host the 18th regular meeting of the heads of GCC Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils. The meeting, chaired by Saqr Ghobash, will include discussions with Roberta Metsola, aimed at strengthening GCC–EU parliamentary cooperation.
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Arabian Post
Coinbase Chooses Luxembourg as EU Licensing Hub
Coinbase has received authorisation under the EU's Markets in Crypto‑Assets regulation through Luxembourg, designating the country as its primary European hub and shifting focus away from Ireland. The approval — the first of its kind for a major U.S. exchange — grants Coinbase a passport to operate across all 27 EU member states. Luxembourg's growing financial stature and regulatory strength made it a logical choice, according to Coinbase, which already employs around 200 staff across Europe. The exchange plans to expand its Luxembourg team by at least 20 personnel by year-end. Luxembourg's regulator declined to comment, but insiders say the jurisdiction sets a 'high‑bar' for entry — a stance that counters concerns from other nations about lax standards in smaller markets. This move underscores a broader shift in the EU crypto ecosystem. Gemini, founded by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, is expected to be granted its MiCA licence by Malta, following earlier approvals of OKX and These licensing decisions highlight the increasing competition among EU member states to attract digital‑asset firms. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, Ireland — previously heralded as Coinbase's launchpad with an e‑money licence and Virtual Asset Service Provider registration — has lost momentum. Its central bank governor previously warned that crypto often operates like a Ponzi scheme, reflecting a cooler official attitude toward the industry. MiCA's passport system allows a single licence to provide regulatory cover throughout the bloc, but some EU financial watchdogs are raising concerns. They argue that rapid approvals in smaller jurisdictions like Malta or Luxembourg could lead to uneven regulatory enforcement, undermining the very protections the framework aims to provide. The European Securities and Markets Authority is reportedly monitoring these developments amid internal discussions about its oversight role. Luxembourg's emerging appeal as a crypto gateway appears rooted in its established reputation as a financial centre with robust supervision. In contrast, Ireland's more sceptical posture may have made it less attractive for firms seeking clearly defined regulatory environments under the new rules. Market analysts say these MiCA approvals could significantly increase institutional confidence in European digital‑asset markets, offering a model for compliance and consumer protection. However, they warn that inconsistent national implementation could result in 'regulatory arbitrage,' where firms exploit jurisdictional loopholes. The global crypto market, valued at around US $3.3 trillion, is still navigating the fallout from major collapses like FTX in 2022. MiCA marks a pivotal shift toward formal oversight in the EU, aiming to safeguard investors while fostering innovation. The licensing of high‑profile U.S. exchanges such as Coinbase and Gemini represents a critical test of whether this new continental regime can deliver both growth and stability.
