The Resistance Continues: Voices of Women in Sudan.
“The Resistance Continues: Voices of Women in Sudan” is a documentary produced by the SIHA Network which shares the story of five Sudanese women who were displaced during the conflict. In this footage, the women candidly share the challenges they endured. They also share how they found the courage to re-establish themselves, eventually setting up small businesses of their own and providing shelter and support to those in similar circumstances. This documentary serves as a powerful testimony of the indomitable spirit of Sudanese women at large, who despite the war, continue to resist and live their lives bravely, against all odds.
Announcing Winners of SIHA Network’s 2024 Women at the Frontline Awards
We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the SIHA Network Women at the Frontline Awards 2024! This year’s theme, “Championing Women’s Agency by Breaking Barriers and Stereotypes in Times of War and Conflict,” honors individuals and organizations advancing women’s leadership, participation, and economic empowerment in conflict zones, particularly in Sudan. This year’s awardees include Gisma Hammad Kuku Kafi for her activism in Kassala, ‘Zee’ Omnia Al-Geniad for her online advocacy, and the Darfur Advocacy Group for their human rights efforts in Darfur.
What Does Justice Mean to Women? SIHA Network Side Event at the #ACHPR79
During the 79th Ordinary Session of the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights, we held a side event which explores the diverse experiences of women in Sudan who have faced violations during conflicts. It focused on their interpretations of justice and its significance. The event aimed to identify systemic challenges such as weak legal structures, judicial bias, and cultural norms that impede women’s access to justice, and propose actionable measures to address these barriers effectively.
April 15, 2024, marksed one year since conflict began between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. This video reflects on the impact of the conflict on the SIHA Network Sudan team and our operations, including our response efforts and their outcomes. It also highlights the tragic loss of over 16,000 lives, the displacement of 8 million people, and the severe effects on health, education, and the lives of women and girls in Sudan.
Press Conference: Unveiling of SIHA’s Report on Conflict-related Sexual Violence in Gezira State
This press conference presents our report, “Gezira State and the Forgotten Atrocities – A Report on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.” The report details the rise in conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Gezira State, supported by recent displacement reports and firsthand accounts. It uncovers systemic sexual and gender-based violence faced by residents, utilizing evidence from social media and SIHA’s investigations.
Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Hygiene for Women with Disabilities
In recognition of International Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024, SIHA Network hosted a safe space discussion on menstrual hygiene, focusing on the experiences of women with disabilities. This event aimed to debunk myths and challenge negative perceptions while offering a platform for these women to directly address policymakers and disability advocates. The documentary highlights issues such as the stigma surrounding menstruation among women and girls with disabilities and the inadequacy of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services in Arua City in Uganda.
“Rape takes place gradually, not suddenly”–An analysis of the realities of SGBV in Wau, South Sudan
During this event, we are launching a report that provides an in-depth look at sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Wau and examines the complex nature of rape and other forms of violence within the context of ongoing conflict and cultural norms. Through a feminist political economy perspective, the report explores systemic challenges and their profound impact on victims. It reveals the prevalence of SGBV, barriers to justice, and broader societal consequences, calling for comprehensive strategies that integrate legal, social, and cultural measures to effectively support survivors.
Reflecting on SIHA Network’s 2023 journey, a key highlight was hosting the Inaugural Feminist Peace and Solidarity Conference on Sudan. With over 140 participants, the conference facilitated dynamic discussions on the struggles of women in conflict zones and their exclusion from peace processes. Notable outcomes included a strong press statement advocating for the inclusion of women in peace-building and conflict resolution. Watch this wrap-up video for an overview of the event’s impactful and enriching conversations.
The Maputo Protocol: Its Potential in Eradicating Harmful Practices in South Sudan
Explore our exclusive interview with Hon. Minister Aya Benjamin Warille, South Sudan’s Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, as she discusses the potential of the Maputo Protocol in addressing harmful practices against women in South Sudan. She covers critical issues including female genital mutilation, child and forced marriages, sexual violence, and gaps in the GBV referral pathway. Hon. Warille concludes with a call for stakeholders to align the Protocol with national policies, such as the Anti-GBV and Family Bills.
#IWD2024 Safe Space Listening Event
In the Horn of Africa, Women’s Poverty Is Generational – CSW68 Side Event
Our inaugural event at the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) delved into the fundamental causes that contribute to the systematic impoverishment of women in Sudan, as well as the impacts of post-conflict policies on women’s wealth generation. Please watch for more information.
In Sudan’s War Money Talks – But who’s in the conversation? – CSW68 Side Event
Organised at the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), this panel discussion explored legal frameworks governing family laws on succession, inheritance, marriage, and divorce in the Horn of Africa, and how this significantly affects women’s economic empowerment over generations.
Wrap-up video – Feminist Peace and Solidarity Conference on Sudan
We are excited to share the wrap-up video for the Feminist Peace and Solidarity Conference on Sudan, that took place in November 2023. It includes a summary of insightful conversations and interactive sessions held during the conference and also outlines recommendations put forth for enhancing women’s participation in peace processes in conflict-affected regions.
The Maputo Protocol: Its Potential in Eradicating Harmful Practices in South Sudan
#DidYouKnow that:
❌ As of July 2023, around 4 million Sudanese women and girls were under the threat of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence❓
❌ The ongoing Sudan crisis had resulted in at least 9,000 deaths as of mid-October 2023❓
❌ Since the start of the conflict in April 2023, approximately 5.6 million people have forcibly disappeared❓
….
On the 22nd of October, 2023, SIHA Network was given an opportunity to read a Statement to the 77th Ordinary Session of the African Commission. The Statement focused on the situation of women’s human rights in Somalia and Sudan, where women in both countries have found themselves increasingly subjected to sexual violence and other forms of human rights abuses. During the …
Feminist Peace & Solidarity Conference on Sudan
📸 Here’s a sneak peek from #BehindtheScenes of the Feminist Peace and Solidarity Conference on Sudan! Despite the pain and anguish caused by enduring the harsh consequences of the brutal war in Sudan, we were excited to witness our partners, colleagues, and sisters harnessing the power of networking and strategically planning to collectively propel the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in conflict-affected regions such as Sudan. …
This documentary complements a qualitative study conducted on the lived realities faced by women cross border traders in West Nile region in Northern Uganda while crossing into South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This edutainment video has been produced as part of SIHA’s #HagTaMara campaign whose objective is promoting shifts in attitudes, behaviors and practices around sexual and gender-based violence in South Sudan.
This short documentary captures the first Sudan Women Protest march where women from all walks of life and backgrounds from Sudan marched the streets of Khartoum – extending out the pivotal role that they played in the transition.
The Invisible Labourers of Kampala speaks to the plight of women in the informal sector of Kampala, following the stories of Florence, Gloria and Consolata forging a livelihood as women street vendors in the city, confronted by the city authority’s duty to modernize Kampala.
“Breaking the Norms” is a documentary borne of SIHA Network’s work with young women in Sudan who have gained skills in non-gender typical vocations and apprenticeships, breaking gender stereotypes, and successfully securing employment.
Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) launches a snippet documentary capturing its on-going work in North Darfur, Sudan, and the provision of both literacy and sexual violence protection and response programs for those internally displaced.
This short film aims to unravel the multi-layered patriarchal narrative in Sudan, delve into the concept of masculinity and its correlation to that social concept/discourse and to explore the personal experiences of young men regarding their attitudes, stances and behavioral patterns towards oppression, discrimination and violence against women.
Invisible labourers was a four-year long project implemented by the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network) and it targeted women working in the informal sector in Sudan such as tea and food sellers, domestic workers, petty traders and handicrafts makers.
#DidYouKnow that:
❌ As of July 2023, around 4 million Sudanese women and girls were under the threat of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence❓
❌ The ongoing Sudan crisis had resulted in at least 9,000 deaths as of mid-October 2023❓
❌ Since the start of the conflict in April 2023, approximately 5.6 million people have forcibly disappeared❓
….
