How One Woman’s Dream Became a Lifeline for Many in Torit

By Jenifer James

In a town where opportunities for women are often scarce, Christine Peter Salvatore chose a different path. Armed with determination and a vision, she transformed a small food venture into Mama Hiba Restaurant—a space that now provides jobs to women who once struggled to survive without income. Today, these women are feeding their children, supporting their households, and building a future rooted in independence and solidarity.

“When I started, I had just a few chickens and some vegetables, but I wanted to create a space where women could earn and take pride in their work. Now, I employ several women, and together, we are supporting our families and our community,” Salvatore shared in an exclusive interview with The Dawn Newspaper in Torit.

Christine made it a priority to employ other women, especially those facing challenges in finding work.

“I understand how difficult life can be for women without income. That’s why I chose to employ them. When a woman earns money, she supports her children and the entire family.”

Salvatore believes that women supporting one another through business is essential for improving livelihoods in Torit.

“We should not wait for others to help us,” she asserted. “Women can create opportunities for themselves and for one another if we work together.”

She hopes her journey will inspire more women to start small businesses, regardless of their limited resources.

“You don’t need much to begin,” Christine encouraged. “Start with what you have, even if it’s small. With patience and hard work, your business will grow.”

As women like Christine continue to create opportunities, their efforts are not only enhancing individual lives but also contributing to the economic and social development of the Torit community.

Christine has plans to open another restaurant in a different Payam of Eastern Equatoria to provide work for even more women. “I aim to expand this restaurant to other payams, if not all, at least one, so that more women can find employment,” she said.

“Some days are very hard,” she admitted, “but when I see my employees smiling because they can provide for their children, all the effort feels worthwhile.”

Christine’s story is part of a larger movement among women in Eastern Equatoria, particularly in

Torit. Through determination, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose, these women are nurturing dreams, lifting spirits, and instilling hope in those around them.

Christine opened Mama Hiba Restaurant in 2014, naming it after her child. She explains that the name reflects both her responsibilities as a mother and her determination to build a better future.

“I named the restaurant after my child because everything I do is for my family,” Christine said. “This business represents my struggle, my love, and my hope for a better life.”

Starting with very limited resources, Christine initially worked alone and offered only one type of food.

“When I began, I had just one kilogram of meat and no employees,” she recalled. “I was cooking, serving customers, and cleaning by myself. Sometimes I felt exhausted, but I didn’t want to give up.”

Despite the challenges, Christine remained committed. Gradually, her restaurant attracted customers, allowing her to expand the menu and enhance her services.

Today, Mama Hiba Restaurant offers a variety of dishes and has become a stable business.

One of Christine’s employees, Rose Itto, shared how the opportunity to work at Mama Hiba Restaurant has transformed her life.

“I was at home without a job, and life was very difficult,” Rose explained. “Christine gave me a chance to work here even though I had no experience. Now I earn my own money, can support my children, and feel respected.”

Christine’s journey reflects a broader movement among women entrepreneurs in Eastern Equatoria State, particularly in Torit.

Through shared goals and mutual support, these women are not only building businesses but also strengthening social and economic ties within their communities.

From offering just one type of food initially, Christine is now preparing over five different dishes to serve the diverse needs of the Torit market.