Sudan is one of the most challenging countries in the world for human rights and stability. A tough government run by Omar al-Bashir, ethnic violence, enforced Islamic law, and hotbeds of military resistance. Not to mention Darfur. However, progress is being made and the first major Sudanese elections will be held in less than a week.
While it's good that significant progress is being made, it may seem that women's rights in Sudan have been thrown by the wayside. That is not the case, however.
From the news feed, I found a link to a story about
Making Women’s Voices Heard in Sudan Elections. The story mentions efforts to educate women on the election; women often lack access to key political information and are marginalized, even within their own political parties. A little bit of further research drew me to one person in particular who is making history. One of Sudan's presidential candidates, Fatima Abdel Mahmoud, is the country's first woman to run for president. Not only is she a history maker, she's a great example of an empowered woman who has overcome many cultural and political barriers in her society.
Just a few of her accomplishments:
- President of Sudan's Socialist Union Party. First woman in Sudan to do so.
- First woman in black Africa to be nominated a high government minister.
- Member of Parliament.
- Sudanese Minister of Social Welfare
- Governor of the Sudanese state of al Jazirah
She's really someone to watch in the African political scene and I'm looking forward to see the outcomes of the upcoming elections.
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