After decades of oppressive laws that prevented women to act and dress freely in Sudan, it was the women of Sudan who stood at the center of the peaceful protests against Sudan’s dictator Omar al-Bashir. Sudanese women mobilized the protests that eventually also led to the removal of Omar al-Bashir as president after 30 years in power. Although women played a significant role in ending the oppressive dictatorship, women were left behind when it came to negotiating the future of Sudan. This illustrates how women still face obstacles to their involvement in political and peace processes.

Ikhlas Mahmoud, president of International Women’s league for Peace and Freedom Sudan, (WILPF Sudan) will discuss the current situation in Sudan, as well as the challenges women face during the transitional period that will uphold the country for 39 months.