My name is Agnes Alor Dut. I am a businesswoman and, at the moment, a stay-at-home mom. I am married and have two wonderful kids.

I am a former student of Loreto Girls Secondary School and graduated in 2013. My days in Loreto were great. I learned a lot of valuable things, especially how to interact with different people and cultures. After this I studied and graduated with a qualification in economics.

My family, especially my father, supported my education. I had no big struggles in finishing school, and later I was allowed to marry the man I loved. But of course, the ups and downs came, because it’s never easy to be the first to break the boundaries. I was the first graduated girl in my family. In our culture, as an educated woman and as a businesswoman, you are different, and sometimes you feel like the black sheep. But I also have big dreams. I love making things happen. I have the dream that one day, I will be a great businesswoman.

After graduation, I worked with some big companies. They supported me, and I learned a lot there, such as how to speak with clients and how to network. Also, I opened my own small business and worked really hard to succeed.

Through some indisposition during pregnancy, and some family struggles, I closed down my business and was attempted to give up and lose the faith in myself, and in my strength, but I realised that letting go myself and giving up is not what I want for me and my children. So, I fought myself back to life. Meeting some of my fellow students from the Loreto family encouraged me on that way. I want to say a big thank you to all those who believed, challenged, and encouraged me to keep moving and never give up.

“I wish that my daughter grows up being a woman who knows what she wants in life and how to get it.”

Now I’m back in business. I’m fighting for my kids to have a better future. I would love it if my children could see me as a role model. I wish that my son believes that women can achieve great things in life and that my daughter grows up being a woman who knows what she wants in life and how to get it. My dream for all South Sudanese women is that we continue fighting for our rights. It’s about breaking boundaries and it’s not going to be easy but I assure you, just like in other countries, one day we South Sudanese women will make a difference.

This work would simply not be possible without financial support. We are very grateful to all those who believe in our mission and support our work, particularly in relation to educating and empowering girls and women. If you would like to help us assist more women like Agnes, please visit our online donation page.