Centre for women set up in Bentiu

29 Sep 2014

Centre for women set up in Bentiu

26 September 2014 - To allow women in the UNMISS protection sites in Bentiu, Unity State, address their needs and concerns as well build up their skills, a centre has been established for them.

Young girls are also welcome at the Women’s Centre, which was set up by UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, including the International Rescue Committee (IRC), with land and protection provided by UNMISS.

IRC Officer Sara Nyngouk Richard noted that the idea for the Centre came from the women themselves.“Through this women’s gathering (place) we can hear their problems, report rape cases and find solutions.”

To empower the women, the Centre was training them in drawing henna designs, handicrafts, the English language, beauty methods, family planning and maternal health, she added.

“I am happy because this center gives us the chance of a social life,” said the Centre's manager. “For me, I have a job and it also makes me help my people in the PoCs (Protection of Civilians sites).”

Another PoC resident said she came to the Centre every day to discuss solutions to the women’s situation. “This center reminds me of when we are in Bentiu town. We used to gather every week in one house and drink our Jabna (Sudanese coffee) and chat.”

IRC Caseworker Martha Nyacapa said she reported women’s problems to her office so that solutions could be found. “Women will not talk if they don’t trust you, so I become friends with them by meeting them here.”

Displaced women in the Bentiu camp are afraid to leave the site to gather firewood for cooking due to continuing rapes and killings outside, according to women at the Centre.