3128: ROUNDTABLE: Women in Political Transition in South Sudan

South Sudan is navigating a pivotal transition from conflict toward democracy. Under the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the roadmap, the current phase is slated to conclude by February 2027, a window for meaningful participation in constitution-making, security sector reform, and elections. Women, who make up more than half the population, must be at the center of these processes. Yet across institutions, including the legal profession, women remain under-represented, constrained by structural inequalities, social norms, and institutional barriers.This episode asks: What will it take to secure impactful women’s participation in South Sudan’s political transition, beyond quotas and statements, to real power, protection, and accountability? Our guests bring legal expertise anchored in community realities, with insights on practical reforms that can move the dial on inclusion, transparency, and democratic practice.Guests: Susan Poni Victor — Executive Director, Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) South Sudan Marly Leone — Member, Women Advocates Association of South Sudan Dier Benen — Advocate, FIDA South Sudan and private practice