This article celebrates the achievements of female MSF staff in South Sudan on International Women’s Day. It highlights the inspiring journeys of four women, including their roles in healthcare and community service. Each woman demonstrates resilience in challenging circumstances, advocates for education for girls, and encourages fellow women to pursue careers in various fields, aiming to break gender stereotypes and empower their communities.
On this International Women’s Day, the significant contributions of female staff at Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in South Sudan are being celebrated. Women such as nurses, community health leaders, and technicians are defying traditional gender roles and inspiring their communities through their commitment and resilience in challenging environments. Each woman’s experience highlights their dedication to serving their communities and empowering others.
Marlindo Kifranco Ani, the AC technician in Juba, expresses her admiration for MSF’s impactful history and her desire to contribute, stating, “Wow, I want to be part of that history!” Since joining in July 2022, she has gained confidence and skills through training and field experience. Despite facing discouragement about her career choice, she vows to pave the way for other women in technical fields by proving their capabilities.
Akuol Elizabeth leads a team of community health workers in the Renk region, where she faces natural disasters and conflict. Her dedication involves visiting households to provide health education and essential services. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of community health, stating, “Giving health messages to someone means a lot – you have changed someone’s life.” Her commitment to training her team further strengthens their effectiveness in saving lives.
Martha Korok, a nurse in Boma, is one of the few South Sudanese women in her profession, striving to alter perceptions surrounding female education. She encourages girl students through her work and participation in the MSF Academy, asserting, “If a woman is educated, she can be even better than a man.” By serving her community, she inspires young women to pursue educational opportunities and join the nursing field.
Lastly, Susan James Jokudu, a warehouse supervisor in Juba, shares her journey from a refugee camp to MSF. Overcoming financial hurdles, she transitioned from logistics studies to MSF, believing that women should not be confined to traditional roles. She recalls, “In my community, women in MSF are often associated with roles like nursing or midwifery,” challenging societal expectations and demonstrating that women excel in diverse positions.
Together, these remarkable women exemplify the strength and determination of female MSF staff in South Sudan. They not only provide essential services but also inspire future generations to challenge societal norms and pursue their dreams regardless of gender constraints.
The impactful stories of these four women from South Sudan highlight the crucial role of female staff in transforming their communities through healthcare and empowerment. Their relentless pursuit of education, professional growth, and community service serves as an inspiration for breaking gender barriers. As they challenge societal norms, they pave the way for future generations, proving that with determination, women can succeed in any field.
Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.ca
