Rise & Thrive – Women & Youth Economic Empowerment

The Rise & Thrive – Women & Youth Economic Empowerment project by Diko Creative Initiatives (DCI) is a transformative livelihoods program designed to promote economic empowerment in South Sudan. Implemented across Western Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap, and nationwide communities, this ongoing initiative equips women and youth with the skills, resources, and financial support needed to build sustainable livelihoods and improve household income.

Poverty and unemployment remain major challenges in South Sudan, particularly among women and young people. The Rise & Thrive project addresses these issues through a combination of vocational skills training, climate-smart agriculture, and Village Savings & Loan Associations (VSLAs). By supporting income-generating activities and access to financial services, DCI empowers communities to achieve self-reliance, food security, and long-term economic stability. This approach aligns with DCI’s commitment to strengthening food security and livelihoods systems across vulnerable populations.

🔹 Key Interventions

1. Vocational skills training for youth and women
2. Establishment of Village Savings & Loan Associations (VSLAs)
3. Promotion of climate-smart agriculture and farming techniques
4. Support for small business development and entrepreneurship
5. Distribution of agricultural inputs (seeds, tools, training)
6. Capacity building in financial literacy and income management

🔹 Impact & Results

The Rise & Thrive project has empowered thousands of women and youth to start and grow small businesses, improve agricultural productivity, and increase household income. Participants have gained valuable skills, access to savings and credit, and greater financial independence, leading to improved livelihoods and stronger community resilience.

🔹 Target Beneficiaries

This project focuses on:
1. Women and youth in vulnerable communities
2. Small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs
3. Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
4. Low-income households
5. Communities affected by poverty and conflict