The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Advancing gender equality and fostering economic empowerment for women in South Sudan
UNOPS is working with the government of South Sudan to strengthen institutional capacity and foster economic inclusion for women and girls.
This article was originally published 24 April 2025. Some of the information has been updated to reflect recent developments.
Latest updates
4 March 2026
South Sudan's Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare has officially launched construction of its new headquarters in Juba with a groundbreaking and foundation stone laying ceremony.
This marks the start of the construction phase and represents a significant milestone toward strengthening national institutions and expanding opportunities for women and communities across South Sudan.
28 July 2025
The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare has begun a geotechnical survey. The survey – conducted by UNOPS – marks an important step toward improving infrastructure and access for women-led economic opportunities.
The geotechnical survey includes drilling and test pit digging, field and laboratory tests, identifying and characterizing the rock/soil types through field and laboratory tests, assessing bearing capacity, evaluating the susceptibility of structures to corrosion and providing recommendations on the type of foundation to use.
As part of the World Bank-financed 'South Sudan Women's Social and Economic Empowerment Project' and in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, UNOPS will build two Women’s Economic Empowerment Community Centres in Torit and Wau, a safe house and new headquarters for the ministry in Juba.
The facilities will provide inclusive spaces where women and girls can access essential social and economic empowerment programmes as well as strengthen the institutional capacity of the ministry and improve service delivery.
The safe house and Women’s Economic Community Centres will provide essential gender-based violence services and safe spaces, benefiting not just women and girls, but men and boys who are survivors as well.
"UNOPS is committed to working closely with the ministry to ensure the successful delivery of the infrastructure required under this agreement, helping to establish safe and empowering spaces for women and girls across South Sudan," said Buruktawit Metiku Woldegiorgis, UNOPS Service Support Manager.
"These centres will serve as a cornerstone for women’s social entrepreneurial advancement, providing inclusive spaces and resources to foster growth for women and girls in this country," said Timothy Yobuta, South Sudan Women's Social and Economic Empowerment Project Manager.
Read more here.
