Successful Stories in Rural Women Empowerment: March 23rd

Sponsored by: The Sudanese Women General Union

This panel was centered on the experiences, challenges and triumphs of Sudanese women. Sudan is just about two years post-conflict and is in the process of recovery and development. The women explained that they now lived in a peaceful, quiet country and were grateful to the NGOs and UN agencies for supporting some of their efforts for women.

First, I would like to focus on a comment made about sanctions. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Sudan in order for the country to address human rights violations and terrorism in the country. In 2017, parts of that sanction were lifted. During the panel, one Sudanese woman talked about being grateful for the partial lift of the sanctions; she explained that they were mostly affected women and children. Although she did not go into more detail, I found it really important. When tragedy hits, it seems to affect women and children the most. Government officials tend to not consider the impacts of sanctions on women. The panelist described the situation as "getting better," now that the sanctions have been removed somewhat.

Second, the Ambassador for Sudan was at the discussion. He gave a quick talk at the end of the panel, and I found his quote important: "Women have the right to thrive, not just exist." Not only does he want basic comfort for women in the Sudan, he also hopes for great success for women. Overall, the Sudan is still post-conflict and is trying to develop female rights, while also rebuilding and reestablishing their society.