S. 2 Ep. 3 | Democracy in Action: Voices from the Ground in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Season 2 continues in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city of striking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and deep social contrasts. Beneath its iconic beaches and mountains lie persistent urban challenges: socio-spatial inequalities, informal settlements, struggles over land rights, and the ongoing pursuit of democratic participation in complex urban environments.

In this episode, co-hosts Nadim, Daniella, and Sarah sit down with three powerful voices working at the intersections of grassroots democracy:

• Priscylla Joca, instructor and researcher, who shares insights from her work on participatory governance, legal assistance to rural and urban rights movements, and socio-environmental justice in Brazil.

• ·Salome Nduta, feminist organizer and human rights defender, who shares insights from her work across Kenya and South Africa, highlighting how gender justice, climate organizing, and housing struggles are deeply interconnected.

• Leoonardo Barros Soares, researcher and practitioner in participatory democracy, who reflects on civic engagement, community-driven governance, and the challenges of fostering inclusive democratic spaces in Rio de Janeiro.

Together, they explore how grassroots movements and participatory institutions are reclaiming decision-making power, reshaping urban governance, and building democratic futures from the ground up, with lessons that resonate across Brazil and beyond.

Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠.