The contribution of women to Sudan’s transition is crucial to ensuring long-term peace, stability and development. In March 2020, the transitional government adopted its National Action Plan on women, peace and security, in line with UN Resolution 1325 which reaffirms the important role of women in peace and security efforts. Earlier this year, the cabinet also announced its priority to empower women in public affairs yet implementation of these commitments remains slow.
The Constitutional Charter provides for at least 40 per cent representation of women in transitional institutions but there is currently only one woman in the 14-member Sovereign Council while only four out of 26 ministers in the Cabinet are female.
In addition, Sudan’s commitment to eliminate gendered discrimination and to protect the rights of women, in particular through the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), have been undermined by Cabinet-imposed reservations including on equal rights in marriage, divorce and parenting. This sets a worrying precedent for the rights and protection of women in the country.
At this event, panellists reflect on the role of women in the implementation of peace in Sudan and discuss how to increase the participation of women in political roles and other fields. They also examine outstanding priorities for legal reform, the impact of gender-based discrimination and the need for action to secure the rights and safety of women in the country.
This event is part of a Chatham House Africa Programme project on International Support for Sudan’s Transition supported by Humanity United.
This event will be broadcast live on the Africa Programme Facebook page.
Participants
Hala Al Karib, Regional Director, SIHA Network
Samia El Hashmi, Co-founder and Chairwoman, Mutawinat Benevolent Company
Samia Nihar, Head – Gender Unit, Development Studies and Research Institute, University of Khartoum
Manara Asad Begira Arbab, International Cooperation and Public Relations Officer, Sudan Youth Organization for Climate Change
Sulaima Ishaq Elkhalifa, Director – Combating Violence Against Women Unit, Transitional Government of Sudan
Chair: Yousra Elbagir, Freelance Journalist and Writer
