South Sudan, an East African landlocked nation, endured decades of civil war before gaining independence in 2011, thus becoming the world's newest sovereign state. In 2013, South Sudan was engulfed in another destructive civil war, which officially concluded in 2020 with the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). This conflict significantly affected the country's population, especially women and girls. Women in South Sudan have held a disproportionate burden of the conflict. Based on the latest UNICEF data from 2023, 52% of girls in South Sudan are married before reaching 18 years old, and one-third become pregnant by age 15. Women Relief Aid (WRA), established in 2017, plays a crucial role in the community by empowering young girls and women through an array of programming which exemplifies how South Sudanese women are taking charge of their own empowerment and driving positive change. Expanding community outreach beyond Juba with support from WPHF and ICAN. Their goal is to educate rural communities about the vital role women can play in resolving internal conflicts, literacy, promoting gender equality, and peace building.
The Women Relief Aid initiatives aim to empower women and girls through education, mentorship, and community development programs. There is varying information on women’s literacy rate in South Sudan, a USAID report surveys 8% of women are literate, another source UN Women states 29% of girls (15+) are literate. Regardless of this wide scale, it is clear that this is disproportionate. Opportunities like the BookAid International, provide a range of books. Sponsoring reading initiatives and bridging the gap of literacy for women is vital to the roles South Sudanese women play in their communities. So far six schools have been supplied with textbooks through Bridge Africa Foundation USA and Anike Foundation USA. Other notable projects include, the Urgent Action Fund-Africa which helped us to train 250 mentors, International Girls Ensemble USA school girl mentorship program which impacted 50 girls in two schools of Torit County by building their confidence in handling world challenges, with funding from ActionAid Kenya, we reached to more than 3,000 women/girls Sudanese refugees living in Wetweil camp with GBV programs, the Global Glow USA mentorship programs, which have trained 1,190 mentors, providing safe environments for girls to learn about significant social issues from experienced women. The Leed Initiative advocates for improved access to education on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) for girls and women, impacting 12,000 people and striving to empower women with knowledge while decreasing early marriages and pregnancies. Furthermore, Seed Programs International USA is involved in a vegetable project in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, designed to enhance resilience at both household and community levels by restoring livelihoods, promoting resource-sharing, and boosting agricultural productivity for vulnerable households and communities. Through this program, 80% of the youth and women were able to transition into self-employment.
"When women rise, we all rise, we rise for a peaceful South Sudan!" –
Doreen, WRA Project Beneficiary
In February 2024, a partnership agreement with Skateistan was signed, and despite delays in shipping skateboards from Germany to Juba, the program officially launched in April. This initiative is part of a global movement led by organizations like Make Life Skate Life, Skate-Aid, Uganda Skateboard Community, and Salad Days of Skateboarding, which work to make skateboards, gear, and skateparks accessible to distressed regions. Skateistan, a globally recognized humanitarian skate organization, donated 16 skateboards and safety gear to Women Relief Aid (WRA) in Juba. Led by Walter Odong, Head of Programs Women Relief Aid and the only man working for International Girls Ensemble and WRA, the initiative was originally designed to provide girls with a space for physical activity in a male-dominated sports culture. Initially aimed at 32 participants, the program has since doubled in size, with groups ranging from 15 to 20 girls per session, highlighting the growing demand for inclusive sports opportunities.
[We’re seeing] Strong relationships built among these girls, physical fitness, teamwork development, and spirit of sharing and friendship because the skateboards are few but they keep sharing. Walter Odong, Head of Programs in Juba
Skateboarding involves balance, strength, focus, and overcoming mental barriers. Key elements of the program include confidence, stress relief, and creativity. Girls arrive with a fear of speaking and leave each class more vocal and self-assured. Many of these girls have lost their families, homes, and hope, leading to high stress levels. Skateboarding has significantly reduced stress and improved mental health for them. The essence of skateboarding is imagination, and the girls are embracing this by inventing new games that incorporate their other classes.
The program integrates skateboarding lessons with educational support and life skills training. Despite challenges like limited resources, participation has increased. Currently managed by three coaches, the program has a growing ratio of 26 girls per coach. It not only imparts essential skateboarding skills but also emphasizes building confidence, fostering teamwork, and encouraging community involvement. By creating a safe and supportive environment, it empowers students to challenge traditional gender roles and explore new forms of self-expression. This initiative highlights the transformative power of skateboarding in addressing gender inequality and promoting social inclusion in post-conflict settings.
When skateboarding came in they [the girls] were able to relieve the stress. Their mental health has improved and they have more hope. Keji Christine, Torit Head Coordinator
The program's vision for girls is simple yet powerful: to share the joy of skateboarding and education, creating a sense of belonging and fun. Currently, it operates in a small classroom with only flat surfaces, and the initiative is actively seeking a permanent, dedicated space to broaden its scope and capabilities. This expansion would offer a more varied and challenging skating environment, potentially featuring ramps, rails, and other elements to boost skill development. The team is seeking additional support and resources to welcome more participants, acknowledging the rising demand for such programs. This growth aligns with the global trend of increasing female participation in skateboarding, which has surged since its Olympic inclusion. By offering a supportive and inclusive setting, the program aims to empower more girls through the transformative power of skateboarding, blending physical activity with personal growth and community building.
They love it because it gives them confidence. When some first came to the sessions they were scared to speak. We teach them how to speak in public and amongst themselves. Now they can speak easily and confidently. Kulang Vicky, Educator and Coach
Women Relief Aid (WRA) is transforming the lives of women and girls in South Sudan through education, mentorship, and advocacy. Partnering with various organizations, they provide vital programs in literacy, reproductive health, and economic empowerment. Their groundbreaking skateboarding initiative with Skateistan offers girls in Juba a rare opportunity for physical activity, confidence-building, and social connection in a male-dominated sports culture. Skateboarding has become a powerful tool for stress relief, self-expression, and resilience among participants, many of whom have faced displacement and trauma. As demand grows, WRA seeks a dedicated skate space to expand its impact. By challenging gender norms and creating inclusive opportunities, WRA continues to empower South Sudanese women, proving that even small initiatives can drive meaningful change.
This article was made possible through multiple conversation with Walter Odong, Head of Programs, Women Relief Aid and Withitgirl founder Mols including Withitgirl 2024 Intern Lilja Merrill. Lilja is a Bay Area native, and founder of Ladies Shred; a community minded business empowering girls & women through skateboarding and surfing.
As part of Withitgirl's educational advocacy efforts we are currently sponsoring young women between ages 18-30 from the Women Relief Aid program to receive the Earth Charter Leadership Certification in Sustainability.
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