Sudan

Civil war, famine and drought have devastated Sudan and caused an enduring split between the North and South of the country.This largest of East Africa’s countries has been ravaged by over 20 years of conflict, retarding the country’s social and economic development, encouraging political instability and leading to a cycle of weak and ineffective military and civilian governments.

Widespread poverty, serious human rights abuses, significant environmental damage and the displacement of people on a massive scale add to the legacy of fear, misery and insecurity. Thousands of the country’s people have fled to the North of Sudan, or into neighbouring countries – malnutrition and disease are increasing amongst this refugee population.The country as a whole lacks basic infrastructure, skilled personnel, access to materials and clean water, sanitation, health and education.
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Sudanese women
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And amidst continuing civil war and poverty, Sudan’s women suffer most. Victims of trauma, violence, destitution and displacement, particularly in the marginalised South, Sudanese women also experience discrimination, violence and abuse as a result of repressive traditions and customs.

Sudan’s extended family provides social support services which are otherwise unavailable. However, the burden of care – for the old, sick and disabled – falls disproportionately on the country’s women, while deeply entrenched traditional customs of social space restrict women to the private, domestic sphere. With the exception of a small minority of educated urban women, most of Sudan’s girls and women face a lifetime of low social status, lack of physical freedom, unequal access to health, education and economic opportunities. Expected to give precedence to the male members of their families – eating after the men, remaining segregated at festivals – all too many Sudanese women remain unable to take a full and active part in their own lives and that of their communities and country.

In addition, early or forced marriage is widespread throughout the country. Figures from UNICEF show that the average age of marriage for a Sudanese girl is 15.? Many marry younger than this, affecting their sexual and reproductive health, their emotional and mental well being and blighting educational and economic? opportunities.? The trauma is compounded for the country’s women by the widespread practice of the most severe form of Female Genital Mutilation – Infibulation. Despite the government banning any Sudanese medical practitioner from performing FGM, it remains common throughout the country and is particularly prevalent in the North of Sudan.? Over 90% of Sudanese women have undergone this most damaging form of FGM with its many attendant health risks and complications.??

National Committee Against Harmful Tradtional Practices

The National Committee works to raise awareness of the issues surrounding Female Genital Mutilation and campaign for an end to this Harmful Traditional Practice.? The Committee creates mass-media public health campaigns, undertakes research and documentation and produces and distributes manuals and information which are used in education, both formally and informally.? They also work with traditional birth attendants (circumcisers) to help them re-train and find alternative employment.

Babikir Badri Scientific Association for Women’s Studies

The Association supports a number of income-generating projects enabling local women to become economically self sufficient and move out of poverty. They also run rights awareness training for women and support women’s own capacity to develop leadership skills. In addition, the Association campaigns on issues such as reproductive health, as well as environmental conservation and sustainable, appropriate technology to aid Sudan’s reconstruction.

Ethiopia