By Waure Eddy
In a trade traditionally dominated by men, 27-year-old Amugima Esther Joseph is rewriting the narrative. A single mother of four, she entered the world of masonry in 2023—not out of passion, but out of a determination to provide for her family. What many viewed as impossible, Esther embraced with courage and persistence. Earning 10,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) a day, she made 60,000 SSP in just six weeks, becoming the backbone of her family’s survival. Her masonry income feeds her children, supports her mother and grandmother, and proves that resilience can indeed build the strongest foundation.
“I committed myself to this work with my whole heart,” Esther said. “It’s the work that feeds my entire family. As I continue, I’ll be looking for other opportunities, but masonry remains my foundation.”
With savings from her time at the Community Organisation for Peer Educators (COPE), Esther purchased two hectares of land in her village for just $100. This land now sustains her family through farming. This year alone, they harvested 20 bags of maize, 15 bags of groundnuts, and 30 bags of cassava flour.
In 2024, Esther started a small emergency savings fund. Today, her savings box holds 2 million SSP—an impressive achievement that reflects her discipline and foresight.
“Even though our country faces insecurity, I’m ready to move to other counties for better opportunities. But until then, I’ll continue with masonry. My dream is to start my own business, and I believe I’ll achieve it,” she said confidently.
Esther’s message to her peers is clear: stop depending on men for financial support and build your own path.
“Men’s money helps only for a short time, and it’s not consistent. We need to start our own businesses. Don’t depend on someone else’s pocket. Men are not reliable when it comes to supporting their loved ones,” she emphasized.
She added that families are more likely to support women who take initiative. “If you’re idle, no one will stand with you. But if you start something, your family will support you.”
Esther encourages young women to take on any available work—dishwashing, cleaning, fetching water, or selling in the market. “All these jobs can earn you money and help you sustain yourself. Let’s stop waiting and start doing something for our own benefit,” she urged.
Amugima Esther Joseph’s story is more than a tale of survival; it is a blueprint for empowerment. Her journey from school dropout to mason, from volunteer to landowner, demonstrates that with commitment and courage, even the hardest paths can lead to abundance.
As a single mother of four, Esther’s life has been shaped by hardship. Her first child lost his father, while the other three were born from a marriage that later ended in divorce. With two children in nursery school and two still toddlers, her responsibilities are heavy—but so is her resolve.
Esther dropped out of school in Senior Three due to financial difficulties and lack of sponsorship. If circumstances allow, she hopes to return and complete Senior Four.
In 2017, she joined COPE as a volunteer. After a year without pay, she began receiving a modest monthly stipend of $50 for the next four years. When her contract ended in 2020, she tried brewing local alcohol to support her family, but the business was unsustainable.
Engineer Mark Njunawa Alibi Commends Esther’s Dedication
“Esther’s work speaks louder than words,” said Engineer Mark Njunawa Alibi. “Her attention to detail, consistency, and strong desire to learn—these qualities are rare, and I appreciate them deeply.”
From laying foundations to crafting walls with precision, Esther has shown not only technical ability but also deep respect for her craft. Her work has become a symbol of resilience and reliability on site, often setting the standard for others.
“She doesn’t just build structures,” Mark added. “She builds trust. I’ve seen her stay late to finish a wall perfectly or redo a section that didn’t meet her own standards. That kind of integrity is rare.”
To Mark, Esther is not just a worker—she is a cornerstone of the team.
A Friend’s Perspective
Anita Peter William, the friend who introduced Esther to masonry, describes her as a brilliant and hardworking woman who never shies away from any kind of job.
“I’m happy to see my friend Esther doing this work—even more actively than I do,” Anita said. “The pay is not much, but it helps us. Since I introduced her, she has done the work without laziness.”
Esther’s voice now resonates across communities, motivating young girls to rise, work, and believe in their own strength.
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