It’s no longer only a man’s world in South Sudan
By: Tomson Phiri
Tags: Logistics, South Sudan, Humanitarian, Female, Wfp

From coordinating airdrops, air freights, road convoys, river operations, retail markets and warehousing, women are defying the odds in South Sudan. They have gone to some of the most remote locations and they have done it with much success.

“We are outshining even some of our male colleagues in the office,” says Justine Nzilani, a Logistics Officer based in Juba.

Their success has been years in the making and in part is thanks to some of the initiatives WFP put in place to boost the number of women working in emergency operations. From only two female logisticians in the WFP Logistics hub five years ago, the team is now 26 females strong and growing. Some ten recent graduates are undergoing a training that will lead to possible employment with WFP whilst a further 12 females are being recruited. A huge step in this male-dominated field.

So, how was this achieved?

Female logisticians are few but more and more females are occupying positions of prominence. Photo: WFP/Charlie Musoka

“It took a concerted effort,” says Adham Effendi, WFP’s former Head of Logistics in South Sudan. “Support from management and human resources staff really helped us to raise awareness, identify and attract some of the skilled female staff.”

The number of women is still a far cry from parity and the team knows this.

“The numbers might not reflect the giant strides we have made,” says Effendi. “More initiatives are on the cards to ensure further recruitment and retention of women in the South Sudan team.”

Way Forward

In keeping with the Executive Director’s call to open more positions for women and give them equal opportunities at WFP at all levels and in all areas, WFP Logistics South Sudan’s vision is to develop a well-trained female workforce with the potential to provide more women with employment opportunities in supply chain management.

WFP Logistics is also now working on capacity building of South Sudanese women. Working with the University of Juba, WFP is launching an innovative apprenticeship programme targeting South Sudanese female tertiary students.

“Well trained women can play a great role not only in logistics and other previously male-dominated fields but in building the nation” says Effendi.

Known as the Female Capacity Strengthening Programme initiative, the female apprentices are involved in the day-to-day operations of the logistics team. They receive on-the-job training, as well as classroom training which is designed and tailored to suit the needs of the programme. In addition to providing them with logistics management skills, the training acquaints them with the use of information technology and corporate systems.

“We are outshining even some of our male colleagues in the office.”

Read what some of the female loggies think about making their careers in a field that has been largely dominated by men:

Martha Nyakueth Tot, South Sudanese and WFP’s Storekeeper in Juba. Photo:WFP/Aimad Ullah

Martha Nyakueth Tot, Storekeeper — I joined WFP in 2009 Malakal in the field office. Despite the perception that logistics tasks are hectic, and male-dominated, I enjoy logistics and have no regrets. It is my favourite field of work and I am developing my career. I particularly like logistics because it is real and practical. I encourage other South Sudanese women to join me.

Ayite Rose Kwoji, a national of South Sudan and currently Business Support Assistant for WFP’s air operations. Photo: WFP/Aimad Ullah

Ayite Rose Kwoji, Business Support Assistant — I joined WFP this year and am one of the youngest in a team of nine women. I have had to overcome many challenges in my life and while I find logistics daunting, I relish the challenge and find it exciting and innovative.

Justine Obella, a national of Uganda, works for WFP as a logistics officer in South Sudan. Photo: WFP/Aimad Ullah

Justine Obella, logistics officer — My job gives me great satisfaction as the environment is ever changing, from the warehouse to the boardroom, with proactive action for innovation.

Adiru Brenda Baiga, South Sudanese and WFP’s storekeeper in Rumbek warehouse. Photo: WFP/Aimad Ullah

Adiru Brenda Baiga, Storekeeper — Logistics means working towards achieving my dream of serving our communities and building a society that benefits everyone including girls and women of South Sudan.

Khaula Waqar, a native of Pakistan and WFP Logistics Officer. Photo: WFP/Aimad Ullah

Khaula Waqar, Logistics Officer — I will be heading the first ever WFP Logistics South Sudan female capacity strengthening project. I am proud to play a key role in creating a gender balanced environment.

Justine Nzilani, a Kenyan national and WFP’s Logistics Funds Management officer. Photo:WFP/Aimad Ullah

Justine Nzilani, Logistics Funds Management Officer — Managing the funds of the massive Logistics operation in South Sudan is an ever-evolving job. I am proud to be working in such a dynamic operation.

Chifundo Ntupanyama, Logistics Information Management Officer. Photo: WFP/Aimad Ullah

Chifundo Ntupanyama, Logistics Information Management Officer — I was born and raised in Malawi and now work in South Sudan to improve efficiency in the complex logistics operation . I ensure factual and timely information is provided to partners and donors - key to ensuring that WFP continues to reach the people in need. Logistics is fast paced, efficient and highly rewarding!