A photo capturing the facilitator engaging trainees during a capacity-building session.
In a bid to strengthen grassroots influence and equip community-based organizations with strategic tools for change, EVE Organization for Women Development convened a three-day training on lobbying and advocacy for civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) implementing advocacy activities in Central Equatoria State (Juba, Lirya) and Eastern Equatoria State (Torit).
The training was supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Plan International under the Leaders of Peace project to provide local CSOs and CBOs with practical lobbying and advocacy skills, empowering grassroots actors to influence decision-making processes, promote gender equality, and protect community rights.
Participants included finance and program officers from Lirya Women Association, Change Makers for Humanitarian Aid and Development (CHAD), and Christian Vision Organization (CVO). This combination ensured participants gained not only strategic advocacy expertise but also strong financial management skills and essential alignment for effective, sustainable advocacy initiatives.
“We recognize that sustainable peace and development can only be achieved when local actors, especially women, are equipped to engage decision-makers,” said Bob Jimmy, Program Officer at EVE Organization. “This training is part of our broader commitment to nurturing local leadership and amplifying community voices.”
Among the trainees was Christine Nakulang, Charlady of Lirya Women Association, an Organization formed in 2021 through EVE’s Leaders of Peace initiative. Over the years, the association has become a strong voice in combating gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices in their communities.
“We started as learners in 2021,” Nakulang shared. “EVE opened our eyes to the power we have as women. Now, we are not just raising awareness we are advocating for change at every level.”
She further emphasized how the training has strengthened her organization’s capacity:
“As grassroots women, we’ve always made do with what we have. But now, with advocacy tools and budgeting skills, we can present stronger proposals and influence decision-makers more effectively.”
Winnie Furu, Executive Director of Change Makers for Humanitarian Aid and Development (CHAD), highlighted how the training bridged the gap between advocacy aspirations and practical execution:
“We have always had the passion to speak for our communities, but passion without strategy falls short. This training gave us a clear roadmap on how to research issues, frame our advocacy messages, and sustain the conversation until change happens“. For us, it’s not just theory; .” She added
The workshop also created a platform for networking and experience-sharing, allowing CSOs and CBOs from different regions to exchange lessons learned, discuss challenges, and commit to continued collaboration beyond the training.
Jane Amal, Executive Director of Christian Vision Organization in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, also shared her thoughts.
“This was more than just a training, it was a game changer for our organization. We are now able to carry out impactful advocacy at the grassroots level with the skills and knowledge we gained and by the Grace of God we are expanding.”
By investing in grassroots leadership and strengthening the operational capacity of local organizations, EVE Organization for Women Development is paving the way for sustainable, community-led change in South Sudan.
“We are no longer waiting for help,” Nakulang concluded. “We are helping ourselves and lifting others as we rise.”
EVE Organization reaffirms its commitment to supporting women and communities to drive meaningful change through advocacy, accountability, and collaboration.
