National Women Empowerment and Rehabilitation Organization (NWERO)

The National Women Empowerment and Rehabilitation Organization (NWERO) is a legally registered, fully compliant, women-led national non-profit organization founded in 2010 in South Sudan. NWERO was established in response to the urgent need to address the complex socio-economic, humanitarian, and development challenges affecting women, girls, and vulnerable communities in a country emerging from prolonged conflict and instability. Since its inception, the organization has grown into a respected national actor with a strong reputation for community engagement, grassroots mobilization, and effective partnership with international and local stakeholders.

NWERO currently operates across four states of South Sudan—Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal—with its headquarters located in Juba, Central Equatoria State. Through its presence in both urban and rural communities, the organization has developed deep contextual knowledge and strong relationships with local leaders, government institutions, civil society, and community members.

The organization was founded by a group of passionate South Sudanese women leaders who recognized that sustainable peace and development in the country could not be achieved without empowering women and girls, strengthening families, and building resilient communities. From its early days, NWERO has focused on ensuring that women and girls are not only beneficiaries of development programs but also leaders, decision-makers, and agents of change.

Vision

NWERO envisions a South Sudanese society where women and girls live free from violence, poverty, illiteracy, and injustice, and enjoy equal opportunities in every sphere of life. The organization believes that gender equality and social justice are fundamental to sustainable peace, development, and prosperity.

Mission

NWERO's mission is to empower and mobilize communities to build peaceful, healthy, and self-reliant societies by addressing the socio-economic, humanitarian, and development challenges affecting women, girls, and youth. Through inclusive and community-driven approaches, NWERO works to strengthen resilience, promote dignity, and ensure that no one is left behind.

Organizational Values and Approach

NWERO's work is guided by the principles of human rights, gender equality, inclusivity, accountability, community ownership, and sustainability. The organization prioritizes participatory approaches that place communities at the center of program design and implementation. By working closely with local leaders, women's groups, youth networks, and government institutions, NWERO ensures that its programs are culturally appropriate, locally relevant, and sustainable.

A key strength of NWERO is its commitment to building partnerships and fostering collaboration. Over the years, the organization has successfully implemented projects in partnership with international and national institutions, including Search for Common Ground, the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), UNAIDS, Population Matters UK, Christian Aid, the Embassy of Japan, the French Embassy, and the Canadian Embassy. These partnerships demonstrate NWERO's capacity to manage donor-funded projects and deliver measurable results.

Strategic Goals

NWERO's strategic priorities reflect the pressing needs of women, girls, and vulnerable communities in South Sudan. The organization works across six interconnected thematic areas:

1. NWERO aims to increase economic opportunities and self-reliance for poor and vulnerable women and young mothers by promoting entrepreneurship, vocational skills, and access to financial services. The organization supports women in building sustainable livelihoods and gaining economic independence.
2. NWERO strengthens the economic independence and resilience of women, adolescent girls, and youth through skills development, financial literacy, business training, and access to markets.
3. NWERO works to reduce the incidence of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) and improve access to quality response services for survivors. The organization promotes gender equality, engages men and boys in prevention efforts, and supports survivors through psychosocial and referral services.
4. NWERO promotes access to quality basic and higher education, especially for girls in underserved communities. Education is seen as a cornerstone for long-term empowerment and social transformation.
5. The organization promotes access to sexual and reproductive health services and awareness of reproductive rights among young women and adolescent girls,
6. NWERO strengthens community resilience to climate change through sustainable agriculture, water management, environmental conservation, and disaster preparedness.

Achievements and Past Activities (2024–2025)

Over the past two years, NWERO has successfully implemented a wide range of community-based programs that have delivered tangible benefits to women, girls, and vulnerable populations.

Economic Empowerment and Livelihoods

NWERO established six Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in urban Juba County, providing women with access to savings, credit, and financial independence. The organization conducted multiple entrepreneurship workshops covering financial literacy and business management, equipping small entrepreneurs with essential skills. Additionally, vocational training programs provided practical skills to more than 100 young women and adolescent girls, enabling them to start small businesses and generate income.

To support women entrepreneurs, NWERO organized a market exhibition event where women showcased their products and services, connected with customers, and expanded their business networks.

Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response

NWERO conducted extensive community awareness campaigns on GBV across the four states, reaching thousands of community members. The organization provided psychosocial support and referral services to survivors and facilitated support group sessions to promote healing and resilience.

NWERO also commemorated international advocacy days such as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and International Women's Day, using these platforms to raise awareness and mobilize communities.

Education Initiatives

NWERO implemented community awareness campaigns on the importance of girl child education and constructed a four-classroom primary school in Gondokoro Payam, improving access to education for children in underserved communities.

Health and SRHR Programs

The organization conducted community sensitization sessions on sexual and reproductive health and rights and led campaigns to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

Current Ongoing Activities

NWERO continues to build on its successes through ongoing initiatives, including:

• Community awareness on Digital Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)

• GBV and HIV awareness outreach in host communities, IDP camps, and refugee settlements

• Engagement of community leaders and men/boys in GBV prevention

• Community case management services for GBV survivors

• Advocacy campaigns promoting girl child education

• Peacebuilding training for young women peacebuilders

• Resource mobilization and partnership development

These ongoing efforts demonstrate NWERO's commitment to sustaining impact and responding to emerging community needs.

Future Planned Activities

Looking ahead, NWERO plans to expand and scale its interventions to reach more communities and deepen its impact.

• NWERO plans to empower more women and youth through livelihood and enterprise development programs and provide start-up capital to help vulnerable women and youth grow their businesses.

• The organization aims to establish and support safe spaces for women and girls and expand psychosocial support group sessions for GBV survivors.

• NWERO plans to scale up community awareness campaigns on girl child education and expand school-based SRHR education programs in primary and secondary schools. The organization also plans to launch radio talk shows to reach wider audiences with girls’ and reproductive health education.

• NWERO plan builds the capacity of women’s smallholder farmers in climate-smart agriculture, implements tree-planting campaigns, and provides climate resilience training for local authorities.

In conclusion,

Over the past decades, NWERO has grown into a trusted national organization committed to empowering women, protecting girls, and strengthening communities. Through its integrated programs in economic empowerment, education, health, gender equality, and climate resilience, NWERO continues to contribute to building a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable South Sudan.

With strong partnerships, community trust, and a clear strategic vision, NWERO is well-positioned to expand its impact and continue transforming lives in the years ahead.