Sudan: A war on women
Despite degradation and atrocities, women are showing extraordinary courage and resilience.
The civil war in Sudan began two years ago and PCS is officially affiliated to the Middle East and North Africa Solidarity Network which builds links with networks and workers in the region.
Delegates were invited to its conference on 17 January where we heard direct from great speakers like John McDonnell MP and campaign groups like Stand Up To Racism, Campaign Against Arms Trade, and Sudanese Women For Peace.
All described how Sudan faces the most severe of humanitarian crises. But it’s the women and girls in particular who are facing targeted violence, where rape is used deliberately and systematically as a weapon of war.
At one workshop in particular, ‘Women on frontlines: violence, resistance, and survival’, we heard from inspirational women who spoke of the horrors that women and children face. There is famine and social norms often mean women eat last and often least, leaving them more severely affected by shortages. Healthcare for women has collapsed in conflict zones and maternal deaths are rising again.
Sometimes children disappear. There are no safe spaces left for women and girls to go. Their needs are de-prioritised, their suffering deepens and their dignity goes unrecognised. The economic devastation has forced many previously self-reliant women to depend on humanitarian aid, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation. The war in Sudan was described as a war on women. At the same time, women are excluded from formal peace negotiations.
And yet the women of Sudan are mobilising. As men are killed or detained, roles are shifting. Women are taking on hazardous leadership positions in their communities. They are rising up to fight for survival and are now central to the humanitarian efforts and the pursuit of peace. Women are holding crucial roles in community protection, humanitarian action, and grassroots peace efforts.
Through their extraordinary resilience and courage, the women of Sudan are now the backbone of resistance. PCS is proud to stand in solidarity with them and all oppressed people in Sudan. And we continue our campaign for justice, safety and dignity for Sudanese refugees.
The national women’s forum will propose a motion for annual delegate conference: to campaign for justice, safety, and dignity for Sudanese refugees, and commitment to a string of further demands. Meanwhile, members can attend the Together Alliance demonstration in London on 28 March, standing together against the far-right and the scapegoating of migrants, Muslims, and refugees.