Concern over permits among tea sellers in Sudanese capital

Khartoum’s women tea sellers are concerned about a decision issued by the Commissioner of Khartoum locality to withdraw their permits to sell tea along Nile Street, the boulevard that follows the Blue Nile.

On Tuesday, Awadiyah Koko, head of the union of tea and food sellers, said in comments to Radio Dabanga that the women contacted were concerned about the decision, which has thus far not been implemented on the ground.

She said the decision must provide appropriate alternatives that allow women to carry out their businesses by providing stalls or any other alternatives close to the shopping areas.

Koko said she hopes to meet with the Commissioner to explain the circumstances of women who rely on marginal professions for the purpose of raising their children and caring for their families.

She explained that more than the 8,000 women are engaged in the profession of selling tea and food, according to an inventory conducted two years ago.

She added that the economic conditions have resulted in an increase of that number, pointing out that should the locality insist on implementing the decision, it will lead to the displacement of thousands of families and children, and the spread of theft and crime in the country in general.

Koko pointed out that tea, beans, tasali sellers and other marginal professions do not receive any assistance from any party in the state as they only rely on themselves.

She appealed via Radio Dabanga to the State and Commissioner to stand by the tea sellers to practice their profession so that they can provide livelihood to their families.

Award

The phenomenon of Khartoum’s tea sellers was highlighted in March this year, when the USA awarded tea seller Awadeya Mahmoud the 2016 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award.

Mahmoud was one of 14 outstanding women to receive this honour, which recognises women around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.