UNDP Supports Establishment of Coordination Forum on Gender Mainstreaming in Business and Finance in South Sudan

July 15, 2025

Gender Mainstreaming in Business and Finance - Group Photo — Participants at the Coordination Forum on Gender Mainstreaming in Business and Finance in South Sudan

UNDP/Sarah

Author

Sarah Abraham

Communications Analyst, UNDP South Sudan

“To become successful in business, your gender should not matter. We need to create an environment where women can access finance, as they are the backbone of South Sudan’s economy.”
— Duol G. Teny, Chairperson of the Association of South Sudanese Entrepreneurs

Background
The business and finance sectors in South Sudan, like many other industries, remain predominantly male-dominated, creating significant barriers for women entrepreneurs. Despite this, economic challenges have pushed many women to become increasingly entrepreneurial to support their families. These women often operate in informal settings, primarily in food and fashion industries—running small kiosks, selling tea under trees, or carrying ready-to-eat snacks around town. However, the younger generation of women entrepreneurs is ambitious and determined to break into traditionally male-dominated industries such as technology, engineering, and construction, seeking broader opportunities and leadership roles.

UNDP’s Role and the Coordination Forum
Recognizing the urgent need to support and amplify women’s voices in business and finance, UNDP facilitated the first-ever Coordination Forum on Gender Mainstreaming in Business and Finance. This initiative was championed by the Association of South Sudanese Entrepreneurs in partnership with Inspire a Sister Organization. The forum brought together a diverse group of women and men who engaged in strategic discussions aimed at embedding a gender-sensitive ecosystem within South Sudan’s business and financial sectors.

Key Highlights from the Forum

A woman in colorful attire speaks into a microphone at a conference.

Prof. Julia Duany, Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission,

shared her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of hard work, collaboration, and persistence. She highlighted that while policies supporting gender mainstreaming exist under the National Development Plan, gaps remain—particularly in financing entrepreneurs.

A woman in a purple and white outfit speaks at a podium during a summit.

Ms. Sheila Ngatia, UNDP Resident Representative a.i.,

noted the critical timing of the forum. She emphasized that young women are leading in the informal economy and microenterprise sectors but face challenges due to weak policy frameworks and underrepresentation in leadership and decision-making

A woman speaking into a microphone at a conference, with logos in the background.

Hon. Esther Ikere, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Gender, Child and Welfare,

acknowledged the informal sector’s vital role in the economy and the government’s commitment to strengthening it. She outlined efforts to promote women’s engagement through building formal networks, developing Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), and supporting the Female Entrepreneurs Bill to enhance access to finance.

Inspirational Testimonials

Katy Alek, representing Sip & Shop, introduced a new model supporting micro-business entrepreneurs by providing platforms for product sales and marketing.
Advocate Tab Gatdiet, UNDP Special Skills Expert, spoke on practical ways to integrate gender mainstreaming within the financial sector.

Outcomes and Way Forward
The forum concluded with a strong commitment from participants to establish leadership structures and actionable plans to promote gender mainstreaming in South Sudan’s business and finance sectors. This coordination forum marks a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable economic environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive.

Conclusion
UNDP’s support for the Coordination Forum on Gender Mainstreaming underscores the importance of empowering South Sudanese women in business and finance. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering supportive policies and networks, South Sudan is moving closer to an economy where women’s contributions are recognized and valued equally.

A speaker in formal attire stands at a podium, addressing an audience at a summit.

Coordination Forum on Gender Mainstreaming in Business and Finance in South Sudan

A man in a suit speaks into a microphone at a conference, with logos in the background.

A diverse group of people sitting at tables in a conference setting, listening attentively.

Conference attendees seated at round tables, focused on a presentation on stage.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, has supported the launch of a Coordination Forum on Gender Mainstreaming in Business and Finance in South Sudan. This initiative aims to strengthen gender equality and promote women's participation in economic activities, particularly within the business and finance sectors