Women in Sudan (post-Revolution)

     Despite their prominent role in the Sudanese Revolution, women have continued to be marginalized from decision-making processes and government positions. By some accounts, the proportion of women among the protesters that brought down former President al-Bashir's regime was as high as 70%; however, only a single woman participated in the subsequent power-sharing talks between military and civilian leaders. In the constitutional agreement that was produced, it was mandated that a minimum of 40% of Sudan's future legislative council should be women. However, this document gives no mechanism for how this minimum will be enforced. Compounding the issue further, of the 11 members on the current ruling Sovereign Council, only two are women. 

     However, some improvements have been made since the oppressive days of al-Bashir's rule. In November of 2019, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok repealed public order laws which restricted women from interacting with men that were not their husband or immediate family, and restricted their freedom of dress, movement, and work. Furthermore, in April of 2020, the government outlawed the practice of female genital mutilation, threatening perpetrators with fines and a prison sentence of 3 years. However, activists warn that further work is needed to eradicate a practice that is often seen as a rite of passage by many communities. Finally, in on October 10th, the Sovereign Council appointed Nemat Abdallah as the country's first female chief justice, after a wave of popular protests caused it to reverse its initial decision to appoint a man to the post. 

Key to guaranteeing that Sudan completes a stable transition to democracy is the large-scale incorporation of women into its political processes, and ensuring that the upward momentum in their quality of life is not lost. 

Sources:

https://hir.harvard.edu/the-womens-revolution-female-activism-in-sudan/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/29/sudan-dissolves-ex-ruling-party-and-repeals-morality-law

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/30/world/africa/sudan-outlaws-female-genital-mutilation-.html

https://time.com/5712952/alaa-salah-sudan-women-protest/

https://www.voanews.com/africa/south-sudan-focus/sudanese-women-demand-executive-positions-transitional-constitution

https://www.voanews.com/africa/sudans-first-female-chief-justice-wins-wide-acceptance