Breaking gender barriers: South Sudanese woman takes carpentry to inspire limitless dreams in girls
Meet Alom Kuot, a carpenter from Wunlung Payam, Aweil East County, whose inspiring journey reflects the impact of the Transforming Crisis-Affected Communities initiative across Sudan and South Sudan through the Gender, Age, and Disability Inclusive Resilience Building (BMZ-Funded Project) implemented by World Vision South Sudan in Northern Bahr El Ghazal and Upper Nile States. After completing her primary education, Alom faced several challenges in her life. These include lack of school fees to continue with her studies and lack of financial support for other necessities.
Like many girls in her community, she considered the option of getting married as a way out of her difficulties. However, this never happened, because she was determined to search for opportunities to pursue her dreams. Alom was selected to participate in a carpentry skills training program under the BMZ-Funded Project. This opportunity equipped her with valuable skills and empowered her to envision a brighter future.
By September 2024, Alom, a 23-year-old, successfully completed her course and acquired various skills in carpentry, including the making of chairs, tables, sofas, and wooden doors. Her dedication and hard work have led her to discover a sustainable source of income, inspiring other women in her community.
As a female carpenter, she has quickly become a role model for young girls in her community, “Many women and girls have shown desire to learn carpentry, like me. This profession, often referred to as male-dominated, is going for change direction here in Aweil.”
"Transforming raw materials into functional yet artistic pieces, was seen as a man job but it is what makes me happy.”
In addition to her carpentry work, Alom actively contributes to the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Early Warning Systems (EWS) committee in Wunlung, playing a crucial role as a woman youth leader. Through early warning systems training implemented by the World Vision’s Nexus Accelerator Fund (NAF) project, she educates participants in identifying potential disaster triggers that may affect their lives.
In her workshops, Alom serves as an educator, sharing valuable knowledge with clients, colleagues, and women in her community. She emphasises the importance of recognising early warning signs and being prepared for emergencies, fostering a proactive culture in disaster management and disaster preparedness.
About the BMZ-funded project
The Transforming Crisis-Affected Communities initiative across Sudan and South Sudan through the Gender, Age, and Disability Inclusive Resilience Building Project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by World Vision in South Sudan.