Press Statement: Between the Legacy of Guardianship and the Horrors of War – The Fate of Women in Sudan and the Need for Equitable Legal Frameworks

Revolution. Resilience. Resistance.
These are the words which depict the prominent role that women have played through-out the course of Sudan’s history. From the overthrow of the Al Bashir Regime in 2019 to driving critical humanitarian assistance to communities in need, in the context of the current conflict – women have been major
Between the Legacy of Guardianship and the Horrors of War: The Fate of Women in Sudan and the Need for Equitable Legal Frameworks

This research paper examines how Wilāya (Guardianship) impacts the lives and voices of Sudanese women, within the spheres of gender justice, civic engagement and Islamic identity. The paper puts forward the central argument that the intersection of male guardianship, Sharia-derived law, and women’s societal participation creates tension between women’s mobilization for equitable participation and the constraints of legal guardianship.
بين إرث الولاية وأهوال الحرب: مصير النساء في السودان والحاجة إلى هياكل قانونية منصفة

تتناول هذه الورقة البحثيّة تأثير الولاية على حياة النساء السودانيات وأصواتهن، في مجالات العدالة المتصلة بالنوع الاجتماعي والمشاركة المدنية والهُويّة. وتطرح الورقة الحجّة المركزية القائلة بأنّ تقاطع الوصاية الأبوية، والقانون المُستَمَّد من التشريعات الأصولية، ومشاركة المرأة في المجتمع، يخلق توتراً بين حراك المرأة للمشاركة المُنصِفة وبين قيود الولاية
Update: No News Received on the Whereabouts of Najwa Musa Kaunda, Prominent Sudanese Woman Peace Leader, Following Her Apprehension by SPLM-N Al Hillu/Tasis Armed Coalition Forces

Since April 1, 2026, Najwa Musa Kaunda has been unlawfully apprehended and held by the SPLM-N-Al Hillu/Tasis Armed Coalition Forces (Tasis Coalition) initially in Kauda Town, Nuba Mountains/South Kordofan, without charge
SIHA Network Oral Statement During the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council, Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Sudan

Thank you, Mr. President.
The situation in Sudan is drastically deteriorating by the day. The capture of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and now the events in Blue Nile State and Greater Kordofan, mark an expansion of the conflict.
Statement by Ms. Hala AlKarbi, SIHA Network, Regional Director: UN Security Council Briefing on Sudan

President, Excellencies,
Thank you for the opportunity to brief you today. I am Hala Alkarib, a Sudanese woman, human rights defender, and regional director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), a grassroots feminist network. Like millions of Sudanese people, I have lost family members and my home as a result of the war.
🚨 GENDER ALERT

Two women in #Sudan have been sentenced to death by stoning in Greater Khartoum and Blue Nile City respectively. Both women have since been transferred to Omdurman Women’s Prison as their cases proceed to appeal stage. Shockingly, one of the cases, continues to progress despite the complainant’s withdrawal of all charges.
Report Launch: “More than Numbers – Report on the State of Violence Against Women and Girls in Sudan (2023-2025)”

SIHA Network presents: “More than Numbers – Report on the State of Violence Against Women and Girls in Sudan (2023-2025)”
Released on International Human Rights Day, a moment ostensibly dedicated to reaffirming global commitments to dignity, justice, and protection, this report reflects the stark disconnect between these proclaimed universal values and the
Unchecked Brutality in Barah, North Kordofan: Testimonies Uncover Systematic Violence Against Women and Girls

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network has documented widespread human rights violations committed against civilians in Barah, North Kordofan. This has included conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who moved to ruthlessly take over between October 24 and 25, 2025, following the abrupt withdrawa,
Report on the Situation in El Fasher, North Darfur

“We Ran Through the Corpses, Escaping Death Only to Find It Waiting Ahead”
We cannot remain silent while a genocide unfolds before our eyes. The humanitarian catastrophe devastating #Sudan, especially in #Darfur, demands urgent and collective action.