Juba, South Sudan – Ten women-led civil society organizations from South Sudan have strengthened their capacity to promote access to justice, support survivors of violence, and advance women's leadership through a regional learning and exchange mission organized under the Building Resilience and Inclusive Development for Governance and Equality (BRIDGE) Project.

Launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the BRIDGE Project seeks to strengthen inclusive governance and support women's leadership in transition contexts. The initiative is being implemented in South Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia through funding from the African Development Bank's Transition Support Facility.

From 26 to 31 July 2026, representatives from ten women-led civil society organizations participated in a learning mission in Nairobi, Kenya facilitated by the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya and FIDA Uganda. The mission provided a platform for participants to exchange experiences, learn from regional best practices, and strengthen partnerships with organizations working on justice and accountability.

The programme focused on enhancing skills in organizational management, financial accountability, resource mobilization, transitional justice, legal aid service delivery, conflict-related sexual violence response, and survivor-centered approaches. Participants also explored innovative models for strengthening women's leadership and institutional resilience.

A key highlight of the mission was a study visit to Lang'ata Women's Maximum-Security Prison, where participants gained first-hand exposure to rehabilitation-centered correctional approaches. The delegation toured vocational training centers, educational facilities, income-generating projects, psychosocial support services, and reintegration programmes designed to help incarcerated women rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

The learning experience provided valuable insights that participants believe can help strengthen support systems for vulnerable women and girls in South Sudan.

"On behalf of FIDA South Sudan, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to UNDP and the African Development Bank through the BRIDGE Project for making this learning visit possible," said Advocate Sudan Victor Poni, Executive Director of FIDA South Sudan. 

"The experience at Lang'ata Women's Prison has provided invaluable lessons on gender-responsive rehabilitation, legal aid and the protection of the rights of women in conflict with the law. We look forward to adapting these good practices to strengthen access to justice and support vulnerable women in South Sudan."
For many participants, the exchange highlighted the transformative role women leaders can play in advancing justice and peace.

"The knowledge and practical lessons we have gained will help us better serve women, internally displaced persons, victims and survivors of past violence, and strengthen our role as advocates for justice, healing and lasting peace in South Sudan," said Laura Elisama, Executive Director of Peace and Development Partners South Sudan.

The mission also enabled participants to establish professional networks with FIDA Kenya, FIDA Uganda, private sector organizations, and philanthropic institutions supporting rehabilitation, skills development, and community empowerment initiatives.

Reflecting on the impact of the programme, Adut Christine Salva, Executive Director of the South Sudan Women Empowerment Network, noted that the training strengthened the confidence and capacity of women leaders to support survivors and vulnerable women across the country.

"Investing in people is just as important as investing in infrastructure," she said. "We hope this partnership will continue to expand support for women-led organizations that are helping heal communities, restore dignity and build lasting peace from the ground up."

As South Sudan continues its journey toward peace and recovery, the BRIDGE Project is contributing to stronger institutions, enhanced women's leadership, and improved access to justice for those most affected by conflict and inequality.

By equipping women-led organizations with practical skills, regional experience, and strategic partnerships, the initiative is helping ensure that women remain at the forefront of efforts to build inclusive governance, promote accountability, and create a more peaceful and equitable future for all.