About WDG
Who We Are
A women-led South Sudanese national NGO, founded in 1997 and registered in 2001, working across Western Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap States to alleviate poverty, advance gender equality, and foster peace and development.
Our Story
Founded by Nine Women in Wau
The Women Development Group (WDG) is a South Sudanese national non-governmental organization dedicated to alleviating poverty, advancing gender equality, and fostering peace and development in Western Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap States.
Founded in response to the humanitarian crisis following the 1997 conflict in Wau, the Women Development Group was established by nine women to support displaced and vulnerable populations, with a focus on female-headed households and children. Since its registration in 2001, WDG has grown into a credible women-led organization, partnering with government, international NGOs, and UN agencies to deliver impactful community programs across Western Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap States.
Since its registration in 2001, WDG has grown into a credible women-led organization, partnering with government, international NGOs, and UN agencies to deliver impactful community programs. We focus on food security and economic empowerment, peacebuilding and trauma healing, gender equality and human rights, and governance, with an emphasis on women's participation, decision-making, and leadership.
Membership is open to women aged 18 or older who support WDG's mandate. The organization is sustained through membership fees, group investments, grants, donations, and project revenue, and operates from its own office in Hai Aweil Jadid, Wau North.
Mission
“WDG is committed to supporting, promoting, and strengthening food security and economic empowerment, as well as peacebuilding and trauma healing, gender equality and human rights, and governance. Our work focuses on women's participation, decision-making, leadership, and capacity building for staff, communities, and other stakeholders, to foster economic and social development and advance social justice.”
Vision
“A peaceful and inclusive South Sudan where women, girls, youth, and vulnerable groups are empowered, protected, and participate in economic and social development and the advancement of social justice.”
Core Values
The Principles That Guide Our Work
Sustainability
We design every initiative to create lasting impact, ensuring communities can sustain outcomes long after a project ends.
Stability
We have provided reliable support to communities for over two decades, remaining present through crisis and recovery alike.
Accountability
We uphold our responsibility to partners, donors, and, above all, the affected populations and beneficiaries we serve.
Commitment
We demonstrate unwavering dedication to our mission and vision, and to the women and vulnerable groups at the heart of our work.
Integrity
We act with honesty, openness, and sincerity in all that we do.
Transparency
We maintain openness in our operations, processes, and outcomes, safeguarding the trust placed in us.
Current Activities
- →Leading rapid gender analysis and advocacy in partnership with Care International
- →Monitoring and referring gender-based violence cases
- →Ongoing psychosocial support and counselling for survivors
- →Expansion of VSLA groups and entrepreneurship training
- →Training farmers in modern agricultural practices
Future Plans
- ★Expand livelihoods and VSLA programs to additional states
- ★Strengthen women's economic empowerment and agri-business initiatives
- ★Enhance advocacy through media and community radio
- ★Engage youth and men in social change to end violence against women
- ★Continue organizational capacity building and resource mobilization
Governance
A Women-Led, Accountable Organization
WDG is a women-led organization governed by an all-female Board of Governance, elected by a General Assembly of 155 members every two years. The Board provides strategic oversight while the Executive Director leads the management team (the secretariat) in day-to-day operations. WDG adheres to codes of conduct and to PSEA, anti-corruption, HR, finance, and procurement policies.
General Assembly
The supreme governing body, comprising 155 members. It elects the Board of Governance every two years and provides the mandate for WDG’s strategic direction.
Board of Governance
An all-female board that meets monthly, led by an elected chairperson. The current seven-member board was constituted in February 2023 and provides oversight and accountability.
Management Team (Secretariat)
Appointed by the Board and led by the Executive Director, the secretariat implements policies, programs, and projects, engages donors, recruits staff, and manages accountability to affected populations from WDG’s office in Hai Aweil Jadid, Wau North.