A 3 Years 2.6 Billion Project for Gender Responsiveness & Economic Empowerment Launched in Arua City

With a focus on strengthening social services and building inclusive communities for Refugees and Hosts in Arua City, the South Sudanese Refugee Association, together with the consortium members, have launched the Cities Alliance-funded three-year project to be implemented in Arua City and Koboko Municipality. 

This comes into force as the rapidly urbanizing secondary cities like Arua, Uganda, and the presence of migrants and refugees has placed significant strains on the delivery of public services to host communities. As the number of migrants increases and refugees stay for prolonged periods, sectors such as healthcare, education, water, and the environment face challenges due to increased demand and limited resources. To address these issues and improve the livelihoods of refugees and rural-urban migrants, the South Sudanese Refugee Association (SSURA) has launched a project aimed at enhancing community resilience through gender responsiveness and economic empowerment. 

^{The Stake Holders During the Meeting}

In a recent stakeholder engagement meeting held by the South Sudanese Refugee Association (SSURA), it was revealed to the stakeholders and the public that this approved project was presented with the aim of enhancing community resilience through gender responsiveness and economic empowerment in Arua City, Uganda. The project focuses on improving the well-being of both host and refugee urban communities, addressing key challenges faced by these populations. 

The meeting brought together various stakeholders, including local authorities, development agencies, and civil society organizations. The project, implemented in partnership with a consortium of organizations, seeks to address the challenges faced by both refugees and host communities in Arua City, particularly in terms of access to quality services and livelihood opportunities. The project is been funded by Cities Alliance and Implemented by a joint consortium members consisting of South Sudanese Refugee Association – SSURA (Lead Consortium Partner), Arua City Council, West Nile Development Agency (WENDA), Youth Initiative for Protection and Empowerment (YIPE), Equity Bank Uganda Limited, and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Refugees Desk Officer – Arua 

The South Sudanese Refugee Association (SSURA), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has developed an approved project aimed at enhancing community resilience through gender-responsive and economic empowerment initiatives for the psychosocial well-being of both host and refugee urban communities in Arua City. 

^{ED SSURA - MR. Malish Bonjira Speaking to the Stake Holders}

Project Objectives and Targets 

The project's objectives are centered on three main areas. Whereby Objective 1 aims to improve labor market integration for migrants, displaced persons, and host communities, benefiting 14,000 individuals who will gain access to new or better work opportunities. Objective 2 focuses on providing gender-responsive, climate-resilient, and sustainable basic services to 15,000 migrants, displaced persons, and vulnerable host communities, particularly in the areas of maternal and infant health and mental health support. Objective 3 seeks to address persistent gender inequalities through the formation of gender champions, dialogue clubs, and climate alliances. 

^{Mr. Akuma Moses Odims ED WENDA Speaking}

The project has set clear objectives and targets to guide its implementation and measure its impact. The three main objectives are: 

• Improve labor market integration for migrants, displaced persons, and host communities, benefiting 14,000 individuals through financial and technical assistance.
• Enhance the provision of gender-responsive, climate-resilient, and sustainable basic services for migrants, displaced persons, and host communities, benefiting 15,000 individuals.
• Address persistent gender inequalities through the inclusion of a local organization with a gender equality mandate, promoting the formation of gender champions, dialogue clubs, and a climate alliance.

 Expected Results and Outputs: 

To achieve its objectives, the project has outlined specific activities and corresponding outputs. Some of the expected results include: 

Objective 1: Provision of financial literacy training and support to youth groups through Equity Bank, benefiting 14,000 beneficiaries. Two multi-stakeholder initiatives and diaspora engagement to create new work opportunities and facilitate job matching. Conducting a survey to measure the impact of the services provided. 

^{In Picture Equity Bank Uganda Official} 

Objective 2: Refurbishment and enhancement of the medical theater at Oli Health Center IV, enabling better access to maternal health services. Training 130 professionals and integrating mental health and psychosocial support services into the healthcare system. Establishing a trauma counseling center to address the psychological needs of individuals affected by displacement and migration. 

Objective 3: Conducting a gender analysis to inform contextually relevant responses to address persistent gender inequalities. Formation of four gender champions and dialogue clubs, as well as a climate alliance to advocate for gender equality and climate resilience. 

^{Dr. Onama Charkes, In charge Oli Health Center IV  In Attendance}

Project Implementation Model 

SSURA leads the project's implementation in collaboration with a consortium of organizations. The consortium members include Arua City Council, West Nile Development Agency (WENDA), Arua City (Specifically Oli Health Center IV), Equity Bank Uganda Limited, and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Refugees Desk Officer - Arua. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic and comprehensive implementation of the project, leveraging the expertise and resources of each organization involved. 

Project Budget 

The project has an overall budget of $700,000 thousand (2,607,522,105.27) with a $350,00 Thousand (130,376,105.26 Ugx) as kind donation from the Consortium members inform of assets such as land, human resources among other assets valued at $350,00 Thousand (130,376,105.26 Ugx) whereas the $350,00 Thousand (130,376,105.26 Ugx) in cash if funded by Donor Cities Alliance, with different activities allocated funding based on their scope and requirements. Some budget highlights include: 

Equity Bank Uganda Limited: $87,500 (325,940,263.16 Ugx) as risky guarantee for finance literacy and business management trainings for Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups. 

Oli Health Centre IV - Arua City Council: $87,982 (327,735,728.38Ugx) for medical equipment, theater renovation, and establishment of a trauma counseling center. 

^{In Picture - Arua City Clerk, Mr. Ojobile Cornelius} 

West Nile Development Center (WENDA): $24,620 for multi-stakeholder dialogues on remittances and investment, as well as advancing recognition of urban refugees. 

SSURA: $4,770 for mapping GBV triggers, formation of gender champions and climate alliance groups, and women's equality campaigns. South Sudanese Refugees Association to form the overall (SSURA Budget): $149,895 for community mobilization, VSLA trainings, project monitoring, communication, and administration costs. 

Expected Impact: 

The successful implementation of this project will have significant positive impacts on the community. It will contribute to greater gender equality, reduced cases of gender-based violence, increased business opportunities, and investments in Arua City. By focusing on labor market integration, access to basic services, and addressing gender inequalities, the project aims to create a more resilient and inclusive community. 

Conclusion 

Conclusively, the stakeholder engagement meeting held by SSURA showcased the approved project's objectives, targets, expected results, and activities. Through collaborative efforts and a consortium approach, the project aims to bring about positive change and improve the well-being of both host and refugee urban communities. By addressing key challenges and promoting gender responsiveness and economic empowerment, the project aspires to leave no one behind, ensuring success through collective sacrifice and collaboration. 

Therefore based on the entire discussion of the project, the various stakeholders especially from the Arua City Council, the Civil Society, the Media, community leaders, Development agencies amongst others present during the meeting

^{Arua City Deputy RCC - Giving Concluding Remarks}

The project's focus on enhancing community resilience through gender-responsive and economically empowering initiatives is commendable. By targeting both refugees and host communities, the project aims to address the challenges faced by these groups, including limited access to quality services and livelihood opportunities. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the project has the potential to create sustainable and positive change in Arua City, fostering gender equality, improving service provision, and increasing economic opportunities. The project's implementation will be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure its effectiveness and impact on the target beneficiaries. By leaving no one behind and emphasizing the importance of collective success, the project aims to create a more inclusive and resilient community in Arua City. 

This project concept paper was produced as part of the Cities Alliance, Cities and Migration Global program Financed by the Swiss Agency For Development and Corporation (SDC).

BY: Omar El Bashir - Dailywestnile.info