By Philip Buda Ladu
As part of its effort to empower vulnerable women and girls, UNFPA South Sudan has distributed solar lamps to displaced women and girls at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Juba.
This came through a generous, in-kind donation of solar lanterns from Panasonic, a leading Japanese electronics company, making its first ever donation to South Sudan.
UNFPA said the initiative targeting vulnerable women and girls in displaced communities, aims to address critical needs for safety, education, and economic empowerment.
The lanterns, providing light at night, will enable girls to study and complete assignments as part of education in emergencies programs as well as allowing women to safely market and produce goods through income-generating activities.
UNFPA emphasized that the lanterns will also enhance protection for women and girls against gender-based violence (GBV).
A total of 510 solar lanterns will be distributed in Juba and extended to other locations, including Bentiu, Renk, Malakal, Pibor, and Bor.
Nyajuock Kur, 31-year-old displaced mother of two is one of the beneficiaries of the Solar Lantern distribution who received her lamps distributed by UNFPA in Juba IDP camp on Tuesday.
Mrs. Kon left her home village for Juba in search of better medical services and ended up at the former United Nation Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) protection of civilian site now IDP camp.
The physically impaired mother of two daughters said they have spent about 11 years in Juba IDP camp as a result of the 2013 conflict.
She said the solar light came as a relief to her family since they have been staying in the dark every night because she can’t afford to buy even a torch.
Mrs. Kur welcomed this kind gift saying it will help her two school-going girls who are now in primary five and four respectively to study at night something they had not been able to do due to lack of electricity.
“Before, my children normally read at daytime that’s how they study but for now, I am going to tell them to read at night as well, because the solar light is there” Mrs. Kur expressed.
She added that with the solar lantern, can now enable her do some domestic work at night.
This solar lantern distribution initiative is part of UNFPA’s commitment to enhancing the safety, education, and economic opportunities of women and girls.
The initiative’s theme, “Solar Light, Brighter Nights, Illuminating Hope,” encapsulates its goal to provide protection, empower livelihoods, and enhance access to education.