With increased humanitarian challenges affecting many of people in South Sudan, a huge toll is on the people who are living with physically impairments.

In the restive region of Upper Nile, these challenges became imminent as people with physical impairments are struggling to make end meet.

 

The impacts of natural disasters and complex emergencies are disproportionally felt by people with disabilities, who are among “the most socially excluded groups in any displaced or conflict affected community”.

However, Widows and Orphans Charitable Organization known as WOCO is taking lead to alleviate the suffering of the people with disability and building their resilience.

To ensure this is done effectively, WOCO has trained and supported a group of people with physical impairments in Kodok, Fashoda County, Upper Nile State.

At least eleven people have been trained and supported with cash worth $350 each to boost their already existing businesses.

Women and adolescent girls with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation and violence, including gender-based violence (GBV) and often face difficulties in “accessing support and services that could reduce risk and vulnerabilities”.

Social exclusion, discrimination and stigma often increase vulnerability to violence, abuse and exploitation.

WOCO undertake this approach as part of its overall strategic programming to promote intervention for the vulnerable communities in the restless region irrespective abilities.

Around one million people are estimated to be living with impairments in South Sudan, that is about 11% of the total population of the country according to the union of people leaving with disability. About 250,000 are living in emergency settings and majority are women and girls.