Focusing on the peace talks process as a driver of change, this case study explores how women participated in and influenced processes of constitutional reform and transitional justice in the post-civil war political settlement, as well as the challenges and limitations of their activities.

Following its independence in 2011 from Sudan, the 2013–2018 civil war in South Sudan devastated much of the country. The conflict was also characterised by both widespread targeting of civilians and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). A peace agreement signed in 2018 has largely held, although much of the country is still embroiled in armed conflict and communal violence. The 2018 agreement establishes a framework for the development of a Permanent Constitution to replace the 2011 Transitional Constitution, as well as a three-part transitional justice mechanism. Although implementation of the peace agreement has been slow, women mobilised extensively during peace negotiations to ensure that the agreement included gender language and addressed women’s concern.

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