Grace John Kenyi Geri is a Women Peace Activist and Human Rights Defender from Juba, South Sudan. Grace is the Founder of Center for Strengthening Community Voices-South Sudan, women led organization working on Good Governance, Peace Building and Women’s Empowerment. She is also the former Governance and Peace Manager of the organization, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO). She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Juba, Centre for Peace and Development Studies; and a degree in Rural Development from the college of community studies and Rural Development-University of Juba.

Grace is well known for being an outspoken female activist in South Sudan on issues of human rights, conflict resolution, UNSCR 1325/South Sudan NAP, peacebuilding, governance, security sector reform, sexual gender-based violence and gender equality. She led a civil society campaign on inclusion of civil society in UN Peacekeeping Mission (UNMISS mandate) in South Sudan. She has effectively influenced the renewal of the UNMISS mandate since 2015. Grace John is also one of the civil society focal persons on the implementation of transitional justice as per the South Sudan Peace Agreement, 2015.

Grace John has participated in numerous regional and international women campaigns and lobby events, and is a progressive, influential female activist in conflict situations, with experiences of working with communities in violent armed conflict on issues of SGBV/GBV and conflict resolution. She is one of the female activists that are championing the implementation of UNSCR 1325, 1889 & 1820 during violent conflict contexts.

Before joining CEPO, Grace spent her professional life in various positions and organizations advancing in broadcast media (Radio and Television).

Participant in: January/February 2022 Fellowship: Peacebuilding and Women’s Meaningful Participation in Peacebuilding Processes