Some women who spoke to Eye Radio. (Photo: Madrama James).

Some South Sudanese women who shared their thoughts with Eye Radio on Tuesday said 2024 was probably one of the hardest years of their lives and hope for a new beginning as they prepare to usher in 2025.

The women recounted many challenges including the economic turbulence characterized by currency depreciation and high commodity prices that left vulnerable families struggling to make ends meet.

Others were the government’s long delay in paying the civil servants salaries, and insufficient basic services like healthcare.

Veronica Juan, the Chairperson of Central Equatoria Women Union, stated that she is looking ahead to the new year with hope and determination.

Ms. Juan said women have endured economic and political hardships this year. According to her, most of the difficulties have left women and children struggling to afford food, medical bills and other basic necessities.

“The challenges that women have really faced are the issues high market prices and high dollar rates. It is difficult to treat sickness. For sure, 2024 has been the toughest time and women are really suffering in their homes,” she said in an exclusive interview with Eye Radio on Tuesday.

Many women also expressed the need for prioritizing services delivery and timely payment of the civil servants’ salaries to avert the situation life’s challenges

Josephine Nadia Michael is urging the national government to create a conducive environment for citizens in 2025.

“My expectation in 2025, I want the government to at least look into the issues of salaries so that at least we can improve our lives and also have a good environment for our children to live in South Sudan,” Nadia said.

On her part, Rose Andrea reminded women to start the new year with economic ambitions by joining saving groups to realize economic growth.

“Those days, if men hear the issue of women saving group, they take it negatively, they assume, women are gathering to attain wrong information from their fellow.”

“But today, men have understood that women saving group have some benefits. You’ll find these young women who are trying to build in their homes, they’re going to meet with matured women in the group there.”

“Elderly women will advise on how to take care of their husbands and homes. How to take of your in-laws and sister in-laws. Women end up surprising their husbands by buying homes items unexpectedly.”

“These are the benefits. These initiatives should keep coming to the women union here so that we will registered the women and be in a network.”