The Young Women’s Christian Association of South Sudan (YWCA) on Wednesday launched its fourth national convention in Yambio, Western Equatoria state, under the theme “Empowering Young Women for Sustainable Leadership.”
YWCA is a women-led organization focused on empowering young women through leadership training, advocacy, and community-based initiatives.
Modi Enosa Mbaraza, founder of YWCA South Sudan, said the convention brings together members from across the country and all 10 counties of Western Equatoria, with others joining online from Juba and Wau. She said the main goal is to elect new board members to lead the organization for the next five years.
Catholic Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tambura-Yambio, who attended the opening ceremony, encouraged women to remain strong in their leadership roles. He emphasized that women are equally capable as men in leadership and peacebuilding.
Mandela Nelson, representing partner organizations including Oxfam, Cordaid, CARE and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said strong governance within YWCA is essential to achieving its goals. He urged members to choose leaders wisely and wished the incoming board success.
YWCA South Sudan works to promote and protect the rights of women and girls and advocates for sustainable development through women’s leadership. This year’s convention is the fourth national gathering since the organization was founded.