UN Women in South Sudan

South Sudan became the world's newest country on 9 July 2011 after decades of civil war and conflict. Women played a strong role in the popular referendum that resulted in the nation's independence from Sudan. Yet, the consequences of war -- which disproportionately affected South Sudan's women, leaving many of them illiterate, impoverished and widowed -- linger now, even though peace has come. "UN Women in South Sudan" provides a snapshot of the women we are supporting. Working with the government and other national partners, UN Women is engaging women in peace and security, supporting their economic empowerment and bolstering governance and leadership. As part of a holistic, community-focused approach, UN Women is, among other things, supporting the construction of eight Women's Empowerment Centres. It is also partnering with UNESCO and Skills for South Sudan to provide adult functional literacy programmes in these communities. Take a look at the impact these efforts are already having in Mundri and Gangura, two communities in Western Equatoria state near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.