Women’s Day Sudan
Women’s Right to Vote in Sudan
April 21, (1965)
Number of female heads of state to date: 0
Women had the right to vote since the first Sudanese elections. In 1965 the first Sudanese woman was elected to parliament, Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim, member of the Sudanese Communist Party.
Artwork by Sudanese visual artist Rana Jubara.
Sudanese Women 116 Years Long Fight for Equity
The first school for girls in Sudan was established in 1907 by a Mahdist warrior named Babiker Bedri, who realised from that time the importance of women’s education. Initially, the classes were held at his home and were attended by nine of his own daughters and eight of his neighbours’ young girls.
> idea.int/sudanese-women-116-years-long-fight-equity
The women’s right to vote in Sudan has evolved over time, with various milestones achieved in recent years. Here is an overview of the history and developments regarding women’s suffrage in Sudan:
- Early years: Sudan gained independence from British-Egyptian rule in 1956. However, at that time, women did not have the right to vote in national elections.
- Expansion of suffrage: In 1964, following a popular uprising, Sudan experienced a significant political change. The military government that came to power expanded suffrage rights and granted women the right to vote in national elections.
- Sharia law and restrictions: In 1983, Sudan introduced a series of legal reforms that implemented Islamic Sharia law, which affected various aspects of society, including women’s rights. These changes had an impact on women’s political participation, imposing certain restrictions and limitations.
- Revitalization of women’s rights movement: In the face of restrictive policies, Sudanese women continued to advocate for their rights. In the early 2000s, women’s rights organizations and activists intensified their efforts to promote gender equality, including equal political participation.
- Comprehensive Peace Agreement: The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005, which ended the long-running civil war between North and South Sudan, included provisions related to women’s political participation. It recognized the importance of women’s inclusion and encouraged their participation in decision-making processes.
- Constitutional reforms: In 2005, Sudan also witnessed significant constitutional reforms. The Interim National Constitution recognized the equal rights of men and women to participate in public life and political activities. This provided a legal basis for women’s political engagement.
- Women’s quota: In 2008, Sudan passed the National Elections Act, which introduced a quota system for women’s representation. The law stipulated that at least 25% of the seats in national and state legislatures should be allocated to women.
- Elections and political participation: Since the implementation of the quota system, women have participated in national elections and held seats in the Sudanese parliament. Their representation has gradually increased, although challenges and barriers persist.
It is worth noting that the political landscape in Sudan has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with the Sudanese revolution in 2019 that led to the overthrow of the long-standing regime. Sudan is currently undergoing a transition towards democracy, and efforts are underway to ensure women’s participation and representation in the new political structures.
While progress has been made in promoting women’s right to vote and participate in politics in Sudan, there is still work to be done to address gender disparities and ensure full gender equality in the country’s political landscape.
In Sudan: Women Made Revolutions
In modern history, Sudanese women were on the front lines, demanding independence from British rule. After independence, women worked for social change and started the fight to gain their rights. Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim, the head of the Sudanese Women Union, for example, led the demonstrations against the military rule of Ibrahim Abboud in the October 1964 uprising. Fatima and the Union were among the key reasons behind the success of Sudan’s first revolution as an independent country. The Sudanese Women Union mobilized women and turned them into a strong force that fueled the protests, taking to the streets in great numbers, and, as a result, gaining most of their rights. After the revolution, Fatima was the first Sudanese woman to be elected as a member of parliament. From her position, she fought for the women who participated in the revolution. By 1969, women gained their rights to political participation, and equality in education, work, and wages.
> nazra.org/sudan-women-made-revolutions
Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim
Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim was a prominent Sudanese women’s rights activist, politician, and advocate for social justice. She played a significant role in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sudan.
Born on October 14, 1933, in Sudan, Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim grew up in a politically engaged family. She was passionate about education and graduated with a degree in commerce from the University of Khartoum in 1954. She later became a teacher and worked to educate women about their rights and empower them.
Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim became actively involved in politics during Sudan’s struggle for independence from British-Egyptian rule. She joined the Sudanese Communist Party (SCP) and became one of its prominent members. She advocated for social justice, women’s rights, and the rights of marginalized groups.
Throughout her political career, Ibrahim fought for gender equality, advocating for women’s rights to education, healthcare, employment, and political participation. She played a crucial role in raising awareness about issues faced by Sudanese women and worked to challenge societal norms and discriminatory laws.
Ibrahim was elected to the Sudanese Parliament in 1965, becoming one of the first women to hold a parliamentary seat in Sudan. She continued to serve in various leadership positions within the SCP, working to advance the party’s agenda and promote progressive policies.
During her political career, Ibrahim faced numerous challenges and obstacles. She endured imprisonment and persecution for her activism, including being detained without trial multiple times.
Despite the difficulties she faced, Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim remained steadfast in her commitment to social justice and gender equality. She continued to fight for women’s rights and played an active role in shaping Sudanese politics and society.
Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim passed away on August 12, 2017, leaving behind a significant legacy as a trailblazer for women’s rights in Sudan. Her contributions to the women’s movement and her dedication to social justice continue to inspire activists and advocates for gender equality in Sudan and beyond.
Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim obituary
Aug 21, 2017 – The Sudanese feminist and political activist Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim, who has died aged 88, was a force of nature. To observe her in action was to be humbled by her indefatigability. In a country where the slightest of strays from social convention were frowned upon, she was a pioneer in the field of women’s rights, and, in 1965, became Sudan’s first female member of parliament after participating in a democratic movement that removed military rule.
> theguardian.com/world/fatima-ahmed-ibrahim-obituary