From Left: Caroline Hlatywayo, the gender equality, youth and social inclusion specialist at USAID’s Resilient through Agriculture in South Sudan, and Poni Rose Boison, the sustainable livelihood lead at Resilience through Agriculture in South Sudan during a talk show at Eye Radio Studio on Nov. 28, 2023 - Credit: Eye Radio/Moses Awan

USAID’s Resilient through Agriculture in South Sudan is calling for collective action for sufficient women’s economic empowerment in the country.

The USAID’s Resilient through Agriculture in South Sudan (RASS) remarks come as South Sudan joins the rest of the world to observe the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

The organization also urged the government and stakeholders to support women to become self-reliant.

Caroline Hlatywayo, the gender equality, youth and social inclusion specialist at USAID’s Resilient through Agriculture in South Sudan calls for the eradication of toxic masculinity.

She said as South Sudan joins the rest of the world to observe 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, it is paramount the citizens come together to get rid of what she describes as toxic masculinity.

“We want collective action, we want to move from the 16 days of activism to 365 days, to beyond that. So, let us come together, invest in women and girls, and invest in resources to ensure that there is sufficient economic empowerment of women and girls such that we reduce gender-based violence,” said Caroline during Eye Radio’s Dawn Show.

“The key message is, come together, let us redefine masculinity, let us get rid of that toxic masculinity that we have known all along and we want to redefine masculinity…

“Is it a collective action, men come together with women, boys let’s all come together, this is not just one group’s decision, this is not just for the women, this is not just for men alone, we need to all come together because this is a fight that we can only fight as one.”

For her part, Poni Rose Boison, the sustainable livelihood lead at Resilience through Agriculture in South Sudan appealed for women’s inclusion in the decision-making.

“Let’s not get tired of engaging women, especially in economic activities and then also in leadership because as we know, women are doing a lot in terms of development. But they are left behind, so let’s not get tired of engaging them,” Poni said.