Beneficiaries gather at the launching event|Courtesy of RoG

Root of Generations (ROG), with support from DanChurchAid (DCA) through the Danida-funded programme, has launched two landmark community initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion and community resilience in Budi County, Eastern Equatoria State.

During a public event attended by the County Commissioner, government officials, traditional leaders, community members and development partners, ROG officially launched the Women and Girls Friendly Space (WGFS) Curriculum and Implementation Guide – Version 1.0 and handed over the Community Microfinance Management Cluster Unit (CMCU) to elected community leaders. The event formed part of a broader effort to strengthen locally led institutions and expand opportunities for women and vulnerable households.

Speaking during the event, Dorong Grace, Executive Director of Root of Generations, described the occasion as a significant milestone in measuring the impact of years of investment in community-led development.

“Today is not simply about launching new initiatives. It is about measuring progress. Development should not only be measured by the number of activities implemented, but by the lives transformed, the confidence restored, the livelihoods strengthened and the communities empowered to lead their own future.”

The newly launched Women and Girls Friendly Space Curriculum and Implementation Guide transforms the traditional Women and Girls Friendly Space into a centre for healing, learning, economic empowerment and leadership. Built around the four pillars of Heal, Learn, Earn and Lead, the curriculum combines psychosocial support with practical training in leadership, life skills, financial literacy, livelihoods, peacebuilding and community participation. It is expected to guide the implementation of Women- and Girls-Friendly Spaces across the communities served by ROG.

ROG also formally handed over the Community Microfinance Management Cluster Unit (CMCU), a community-owned financial management structure established through representatives elected from Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). The CMCU will manage community microfinance services, expand access to affordable loans and create opportunities for women, youth and local entrepreneurs, including those who are not members of existing savings groups.

The ceremony also recognised the achievements of beneficiaries who have participated in ROG programmes, including members of Income Generating Activities (IGAs), Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), farmers, women who received psychosocial and trauma support, and other community members whose lives have been positively impacted through ROG’s interventions.

Since its establishment, Root of Generations has directly reached more than 500,000 women, men, girls and boys through programmes in protection, peacebuilding, education, livelihoods, humanitarian response, gender equality and community development.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside communities, government and development partners to strengthen locally led development, recognizing that sustainable change is achieved when communities are empowered to lead, manage their own institutions and shape their own future.