Women’s space in Sudan’s society has been considerably reduced with the implementation of Sharia law, both in the context of the dictatorship of Jafar Nimeiri (1969-1985), but more so during the dictatorship of Omar Al-Bashir since 1989. The share of women in political and social decision-making institutions continues to be low even after the political changes since the 2018 revolution. The legal unequality of women also interacts with role-related practices and limitations by families and communities. Gender based violence in many forms and practices such as early marriage, have been a tradition in many communities for a long time and are still present today. Widows, divorcees or single women are being socially stigmatised and legally disadvantaged. Further, women often face barriers regarding their sexual and reproductive rights and access to education. The traditional engagement with unpaid forms of labour such as care work and agricultural work make it difficult for women to access the formal labour market and gain economic independence – thus women are left in a particularly vulnerable position during economic crises and conflicts. As of 2022, Sudan is one of only seven countries worldwide which has not ratified the CEDAW agreement (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women).
Our approach:
In Bana Group for Peace and Development, we found that the barries for marginalised women’s voices to be heard in political and social institutions, paired with the lack of awareness of the judiciary system and procedures, as well as awareness for women rights, are key needs to be addressed to improve women rights for marginalised women in Sudan. We want to achieve that by:
- Increasing women rights awareness in community based workshops
- Cooperation with advocacy initiatives, women rights activists and organisations
- Participatory research with women in marginalised communities
Completed and ongoing activities:
Participation in a collaborative campaign with different Sudanese civil society organisations within the 16 days of Activism against gender based violence 2022
Legal aid project for women in IDP camps around El-Geneina, West Darfur: raising women rights awareness and knowledge about judiciary procedures (in cooperation with CBF – Child Development Foundation)
Study “Voices of the Margins” about the voices of marginalised women in the transition to democracy in Sudan, and advocacy for the study in Sudan and internationally (cooperation with KURVE Wustrow)