Sudanese female leaders seek unity amid conflict

September 14, 2024 (KAMPALA, Uganda) — In the face of a devastating conflict marked by horrific violations of women’s rights, Sudanese women leaders are working to overcome divisions and unite their agenda for peace.

At a recent conference in Kampala organized by The Guardians, activists stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, women’s participation in political processes and the protection of women from violence.

“Our priorities are to stop the war and protect women from violations,” Heba Ahmed Taha, a member of the Eastern Sudan Women’s Forum, told the Sudan Tribune.

According to the United Nations and human rights organizations, the conflict in Sudan is characterized by widespread sexual exploitation, rape, harassment and displacement of women.

Women leaders acknowledge the challenges they face, including divisions between civil society and female politicians, and the lack of acceptance and respect for different opinions.

“It is difficult to gather all feminist opinions under one agenda,” said feminist activist Aziza Awad. “But we need to gather the common ground to come up with a feminist agenda that thinks about the next phase.”

Fawzia Mohamed Ali, member of the African Organization for Rights and Development, believes that a minimum agreement can be reached by focusing on the violations and violence that women and girls are exposed to. She stressed the need to use UN resolution 1325 on women, peace and security and to include women in all phases of peace processes.

Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope. Journalist and human rights lawyer Madiha Abdullah noted that the conference revealed a convergence of views among different women’s groups.

“Many Sudanese women have agreed on a common agenda for action,” she said. “But political differences and partisan agendas limit the possibility of working together.”

Women leaders call for commitment to their agenda, regardless of political or social influences. They believe that a united women’s movement is essential to achieve peace and restore the path of the December Revolution.