A Southern Sudanese activist and member of the Sudanese Women's Empowerment for Peace (SuWEP) organization. In 1998 Lona became one of the first women to participate in peace talks between the government of Southern Sudan and the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM). She has organized numerous campaigns to raise awareness about women's political participation, representation and childhood education.
Meet Lona James Elia, Sudan
Lona is currently working towards her PhD at the University of Ahfad for Women in Khartoum. She is writing her dissertation on women's political participation and representation in Southern Sudan. She is also the author of the book, "My Story of a Southern Sudan Woman".
Lona was the recipient of the 2003 Ambassador for Peace Award, given to her by the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace in recognition of her participation in peace negotiations, as well as her commitment to working across religious and tribal lines.