In a significant move towards advancing gender equality in Sudan, a group of prominent women politicians and activists Tuesday called for increased female representation in the upcoming general conference of the Coordination of Democratic Civil Forces (CDCF).
These women, representing various civil society groups, have launched campaigns to challenge the prevailing male dominance and assert their right to participate fully in shaping Sudan’s political future. They have specifically denounced the lack of women’s involvement in the Preparatory Committee of the Civil Front’s meetings in Addis Ababa.
The civil forces meeting in Addis Ababa last October had approved the formation of a 30-member executive coordination office, tasked with preparing for the founding conference of the Civil Democratic Forces Coordination “Taqadum.” This preparatory committee and a technical secretariat were tasked with organizing the conference, which was scheduled to be held within eight weeks with the participation of 1,000 members.
The women’s groups have expressed strong objection to the 30% female participation quota proposed at the Addis Ababa meetings, advocating instead for a 40% quota, in line with the provisions of the transitional constitutional declaration.
In a letter to CDCF head Abdallah Hamdok, the women entities have categorically rejected the outcomes of the Addis Ababa Declaration and the “Taqadum” meetings, particularly the 30% quota for women. They have described the representation of women in these meetings as “weak and not commensurate with women’s struggles, steadfastness, and suffering throughout the years of the former regime and the period of the October 25, 2021 coup.”
The protest note further highlights the sacrifices made by women during previous periods and their ongoing involvement in the current conflict. The women’s groups have emphasized their determination to secure a fair and equitable representation in the upcoming conference, reflecting their significant contributions to Sudan’s political landscape.
Source : Sudan Tribune
