Widow rebuilds life after loss with support in South Sudan

Hellen Awate, a widow in Yei River County, South Sudan, overcame poverty and stigma after receiving counselling and business training.

Following her husband’s death, Awate struggled to care for her children due to financial hardship, insecurity, and negative attitudes towards widows in her community. People isolated her, and she felt powerless and unwanted. Awate’s situation improved when a local leader directed her to a Women and Girls Friendly Space.

There, she received counselling and connected with other women facing similar challenges, which helped her regain peace of mind and a sense of belonging. In 2024, she participated in business skills training through the German-supported ResPEct project, which aims to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and promote gender equality. Today, Awate runs a potato farm and a bricklaying business, providing for her children and gaining recognition within her community.

The ResPEct project, implemented by GIZ and co-funded by the European Union and Germany, officially closed in October 2026 after four years of work. At the closing event, women’s groups called for continued investment in legal protection, economic opportunities, and community support for women.