For decades, the subject of women’s rights has been at the forefront of media and politics. While the world has made progress, women in countries such as Sudan are still fighting for equal rights. The fight for women’s rights in Sudan is in motion by opposing laws such as the Personal Status Law of 1991. This law allows child marriages and states that women can only marry if they have consent from a father or male guardian. Here are five things to know about the women’s rights movement in Sudan.
Women’s Rights in Sudan
- Women Make up 70% of Protesters. As women band together to protest in Sudan against laws and government officials who are in favor of limiting women’s rights, globalfundforwomen.org estimates have determined that in the Sudan protests, women account for nearly 70% of protesters. The women taking part in these protests labeled their movement as “the women’s revolution.” Due to the protests, many women have undergone beating or flogging, yet they still stand strong and continue to protest.
- Many Laws Women are Protesting Stem from Long Lasting Traditions. As tradition is a large part of Sudan’s culture, many of the laws women are protesting come from years of tradition. Nevertheless, women advocate for themselves despite these laws. The laws restrict women from things such as wearing pants, equality and representation in government, child marriage, amongst other regulations. Though some of these have roots in tradition, modern women are demanding they have equal rights. However, this is difficult as women are limited within government and law.
- Women in Sudan have been fighting for their rights for over 30 years. Due to the oppressive rule of dictator Al-Bashir, women in Sudan have had to fight for equal rights since 1989, adding up to over 30 years of subjugation. While inequality did not start with Al-Bashir, he did support and enforce laws to limit women’s rights in Sudan. He did this with military and government forces, beating, raping and murdering women speaking out against years of abuse and inequality.
- The Women’s Revolution Movement was a large part of overthrowing Al-Bashir. In 2019, women refused to stay silent as Sudan began to rise up against Al-Bashir. Even though they had to deal with persecution from the military, women continued to rise up against their oppressors. According to Harvard International Review, protesters such as Salah and Lina Marwan stood strong. They told their stories and experiences with inequality. They also continued to protest even after Sudanese military officials harassed them.
- As of January 2020, West Kordofan started its first No to Women Oppression Initiative. Though this is the only initiative started in Sudan currently, there is hope to open more across the country with a push to coordinate more organizations fighting for women’s rights in Sudan. These organizations are also continuing to discuss violence against women with Sudan’s government in hopes of gaining equal rights for them.
Though there is a long way to go to achieve equal rights in Sudan, as protests continue and women persist in fighting for their rights, there is hope for the future.
– Olivia Eaker
Photo: Flickr