On International Women’s Day, female MSF staff in South Sudan are recognized for their powerful contributions against gender norms. Nurses, technicians, and community health leaders demonstrate resilience and inspire local communities, highlighting the importance of women in critical roles like healthcare and logistics. Their personal journeys reflect dedication to empowerment and professional growth within challenging environments.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of female Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff in South Sudan. These women embody resilience and defy traditional gender roles, inspiring their communities through their impactful work in various capacities, from healthcare to logistics. Notable staff members include a nurse in Boma, the head of community health in Renk, and a warehouse manager in Juba. Their journeys illustrate the significance of female empowerment in challenging environments.
Marline Loki, an AC technician in Juba, highlights the importance of her role and the training she has received since joining MSF in July 2022. She is responsible for installing, servicing, and maintaining air conditioning systems. Marline shares her motivation, stating, “What inspired me to become an AC technician at MSF was hearing about the incredible history.” She is determined to overcome societal discouragement and aims to mentor other women in technical careers, demonstrating that women can excel in any field.
Akuol Elizabeth, who leads community health workers in the Renk emergency project, emphasizes the critical nature of her team’s work. She is dedicated to identifying community health needs, providing education, and making referrals for critical care. Akuol notes, “What motivates me the most is my love for the community.” She fosters professional development among her team through training and meetings to address challenges, reinforcing her commitment to improving community health outcomes.
In Boma, nurse Martha Korok serves as a vital figure, embodying the change needed in South Sudan’s healthcare landscape. As one of only four female nurses in the area, she actively promotes education for girls. Martha expresses she wants her community to understand the importance of women in education, saying, “Oh, if a woman is educated, she can be even better than a man.” Her passion for her work drives her commitment to mentoring and serving her community.
Susan James Jokudu, a warehouse supervisor in Juba, highlights her challenging yet inspiring journey from a refugee in Uganda to a leader in logistics at MSF. With a strong desire to support her community, she overcame societal stereotypes about women’s roles in logistics, asserting that “gender should never limit what they can achieve.” She aspires to further advance her education and impact within MSF, displaying the breadth of opportunities for women in diverse professions.
The stories of these four women showcase the strength and resilience of female MSF staff in South Sudan. Their commitment to breaking gender barriers and serving their communities not only transforms lives but also inspires future generations of women. By stepping into traditionally male-dominated roles, they demonstrate the significant contributions women can make in various fields. Their determination exemplifies the potential for growth and empowerment in challenging contexts, encouraging others to pursue their passions regardless of societal expectations.
Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.ca
