About us
Who we are
Women Advancement Organization (WAO) is a national, non-profit organization founded in 2012 in Juba, South Sudan. We are registered with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) under registration number 439.
We believe that every woman and out-of-school youth has the power to transform their community when given the opportunity. For over a decade, we have worked on the front lines of advocacy, education, and empowerment—changing laws, changing lives, and changing the future of South Sudan, one person at a time.
We started with a simple belief: that no young person should be left behind. Seeing a critical gap in access to education and fundamental rights for women and out-of-school youth, our founders established WAO to offer an alternative. What began as a local initiative in Juba has grown into a national movement, driven by the urgency to provide shelter, food, education, and legal advocacy to those who need it most.
Our approach
Today, we run shelter homes, alternative education systems, and vocational training centers. We have established helpline offices across the country, ensuring that vulnerable women and youth can reach us anytime, anywhere. We don’t just offer a conversation; we offer a path forward—through financial support, professional training, legal protection, and the assurance that they are not alone. Our goal is to meet them where they are and get them where they need to be.
Our Mission
To reduce illiteracy among women and out-of-school youth, improve their livelihoods, protect their fundamental rights, and increase their participation in all socio-economic activities.
Our Vision
A resilient South Sudanese society with sustainable, equitable services for all citizens, regardless of language, gender, religion, or cultural background.
Our Partners
Our numbers that speak
Every number represents a woman whose life has been transformed through education, mentorship, and opportunity. We’re proud of how far we’ve come – but we’re just getting started.
Where We Work
We are active in 9 states and one administrative area across South Sudan, bringing hope and opportunity to vulnerable women and out-of-school youth.
Our reach includes:
Juba, Yei, Wau, Jur River, greater Kapoeta, Budi, Bor, Fangak, and Pigi
Our Thematic Areas
Education
Basic education, Numeracy & literacy, TVET (auto mechanic, tailoring, computer, etc.), English language
Gender & Child Protection
GBV awareness, Psychosocial support, Child protection, Legal support, Women & girls friendly spaces, Campaigns (MamaraSakit, “Yes! We Can”)
Food Security & Livelihood
Vegetable production, Agro-forestry, Agribusiness, Emergency livelihood support
Peace building & Capacity Development
Conflict analysis, Community dialogue, Sport for peace, Governance training
WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
Hygiene promotion, Water point construction & maintenance, Hygiene kits for schools (103 schools reached)
Health
Reproductive health, HIV/STD awareness and training
Our staff
SUZAN PASQUALE
Executive Director
20 years experience serving communities. She holds Master's degree in social Work and Social Administration.
JOSEPH SIMIYU
Ptogram Manager
25 years experience in project managemen. he holds Master's in Agriculture & Environmental Science.
Jane Wangui Kihara
Finance Manager
Work experience more 20+ yrs in Finance Field
Wilson Emmanuel Tani
Health Coordinator
Bishop Edward Zabi
Procurement and Logistics Officer
5 years of Professional Experience.
Mungasa Susan
Human Resource Officer
8 years of working experience
Holds a masters degree in Business Administration majoring in procurement and supply chain management
Abalo Grace
Gender and protection officer
5 years experience in Gender and Protection related issues