Women sell fish along Juba-Bor road, 2013.

The Minister of Cooperative and Rural Development in Central Equatoria says it has put up small projects to empower rural women in the state.

South Sudan today joins the rest of the world in celebrating the International Rural Women Day.

The day was established by the UN General Assembly.

This year’s theme is “the critical role and contribution of rural women, in improving food security and eradicating rural poverty”.

Speaking to Eye Radio, Michael John Koanaga, says the aim of the project is to help rural women improve their living standards.

“The Department of community development in the ministry has activities in areas like sermon, whereby there is a factory manufacturing the candle and the candle is there,” he said.

Mr. John said his ministry has a plan to educate and train women in rural areas of the state.

The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on October 15, 2008.

This day recognizes the role of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.