Women, The Force to Be Reckoned with in Sudan
Content warning: sexual assault and gender-based violence against women.
For thirty years, the people of Sudan endured the oppressive military rule of former President Omar Al-Bashir. With cuts to household subsidies intensifying wealth disparities, paired with military infiltration of local streets increasing crime rates, it was only a matter of time before civil unrest would reach its breaking point.
The end of Al-Bashir’s rule in April of 2019 marked a pivotal moment in history for all citizens of Sudan, particularly women, who played a vital role in removing Al-Bashir from his position. Women accounted for approximately 70 percent of the protestors. While these protests are largely dubbed as “The Women’s Revolution,” it is not the first time that women in Sudan have had a large hand over political change within the country.
Historically, women in Sudan have advocated for human rights and equality. The Sudanese Women’s Union (SWU), formed in 1952, exemplifies a strong model of women fighting for social and political equality in Sudan. The SWU was dedicated to creating positive changes by decreasing the female illiteracy rate, formerly calling out job discrimination, and accomplishing women’s suffrage.
Protest in solidarity with the Sudanese revolution in front of the German Foreign Ministry
Years of dictatorial rule, however, has brought this upward momentum to a halt. Later administrations limited female representation in government through political quotas, outlawed female non-governmental organizations and jailed people who opposed these restrictions. In recent years, under Al-Bashir’s oppressive rule, silencing of women activists only intensified.
The Human Rights Watch reported several cases in which security officials raped or threatened to rape women activists. In many cases, women feel so trapped that they resort to fleeing the country and being forced to leave entire family lineages behind.
The turbulent socio-political climate in Sudan has built up over the years--the Arab Spring, the secession of South Sudan in 2011, and their falling economy--however, women continue to play an influential role in leading protests for resistance. In addition to participating in protests, many women have been actively voicing grievances through local demonstrations, speeches, and writing.
The reemergence of women protestors in Sudan has dismantled the common notion of women being passive victims of oppressive regimes. Women are the drivers of change in Sudan, and continue to set a strong precedent for the rise of female activism all over Africa and beyond.
By Jade Harris
