When Bonsuk Sarah Evans walked out of graduation in 2023 with a Diploma in Food and Nutrition, she carried more questions than answers about her future. Jobs were scarce, opportunities were few, and the path ahead seemed uncertain.She worried about where her next step would lead. What she didn’t know was that her journey would take a surprising turn, from nutrition to gender advocacy and transform her into a front-line voice for women and youth.
In 2024, Sarah joined EVE Organization for Women Development as part of its volunteer cohort. Through EVE’s Young Women Leadership Program, she was placed at the South Sudan Law Society for a three-month assignment, where she gained hands-on experience in civic education, justice, and community engagement.
“EVE is one in a million,” Sarah said. “Its Young Women Leadership Program nurtures fresh graduates like me, giving us knowledge, skills, and opportunities to grow as leaders and changemakers.”
Though her academic training was in food and nutrition, Sarah embraced the unexpected opportunity with determination.
“My course was in Food and Nutrition, which is not directly related to gender and protection,” she explained. “But being flexible and open is one of the best things I have learned. EVE gave me the chance to explore a new field, and I realized this is where my passion lies.”
That passion quickly turned into a profession. Following her placement, Sarah was recruited by Action Africa Help International (AAH-I) as a Gender and Protection Assistant. In her new role, she works directly with communities supporting women, youth, and marginalized groups by ensuring access to protection services and amplifying their voices in decision-making processes.
“At AAH-I, I apply the skills and confidence I gained during my time at EVE,” she explained. “From attending workshops and community dialogues to understanding gender-based challenges, volunteering prepared me for this role in ways my academic course could not.”
For EVE, Sarah’s story represents more than just one young woman’s success. According to Bob Jimmy Lemi, Program Officer at EVE, the Young Women Leadership Program is a quick start for fresh graduates to gain experience, especially in a context where most organizations hire only those with prior experience.
“Many graduates struggle to get jobs in their desired fields,” Bob explained. “That’s why we expose them to different fields to expand their knowledge and skillset.
He added, What matters most is the knowledge and experience they gain, regardless of their academic background. This program paves the way for them to grow professionally and confidently step into the workforce.”
Bob further said, “Sarah’s journey shows the ripple effect of investing in young women. When we equip them with skills, confidence, and exposure, they not only transform their own lives but also make a difference in the communities they serve.”
From a young graduate uncertain about her future to a gender and protection advocate driving change at the grassroots, Sarah’s story shows what can happen when mentorship, opportunity, and determination come together. It also reflects EVE’s commitment to building the next generation of women leaders in South Sudan.
