EU Ambassador, Unamid celebrate International Women’s Day in Sudan

On the occasion of International Women's Day, EU Ambassador Tomas Ulicny met with civil society and human rights activists in Khartoum to discuss the issue of women in conflict on Sunday. Unamid celebrated the International Women’s Day in various capitals in Darfur. 

“The ongoing fighting in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile continues to cause suffering for the civilian population, in particular women and children,” Ambassador Ulicny said.

“At the same time, women in Sudan have an important role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction and development.

“As we mark 15 years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, Sudanese women are an inspiration to the women in Europe and around the world,” he said, according to an information note released today.

The EU Ambassador also expressed concern over repeated allegations of sexual violence in conflict zones, and took careful note of the recent changes in the Criminal Law which for the first time defines the crimes of rape and sexual harassment.

“This is an important step to protect the rights of women and girls in Sudan. We expect to see full implementation of these provisions to ensure that victims are provided with access to justice and perpetrators held to account,” he stated.

‘Gender equality’

Unamid celebrated the International Women’s Day under the theme of “Empowering women, Empowering community” in Nyala, South Darfur, Zalingei, Central Darfur, El Geneina, West Darfur, and El Fasher, North Darfur, in collaboration with the North Darfuri Committee [for the UN Security Council] Resolution 1325 on Women, and the Practical Action organisation.

In El Fasher, hundreds of women, men, and children, including displaced, staff of UN agencies and NGOs took part in the festivities, which began with a solidarity march through the town. The event also included drama performances and songs, Unamid stated in a press release today.

Addressing the gathering, Unamid’s Acting Joint Special Representative (AJSR), Abiodun Bashua, conveyed Ban Ki-moon’s message on the occasion.

“The world must come together in response to the targeting of women and girls by violent extremists…We need to change mind-sets, especially among men, and engage them in becoming active change-agents themselves.  And we must back up our resolve with resources based on the sure understanding that investments in gender equality generate economic progress, social and political inclusion and other benefits that, in turn, foster stability and human dignity,” said the AJSR on behalf of the UN secretary-general.   

“We are very blessed to celebrate this day as women have long struggled to get their legitimate rights in executive, constitutional and legislative bodies,” said Halima Bosh, North Darfur Governor’s Advisor on Women and Children’s Affairs.   

Eisa Abdalla, Commissioner of El Fasher, stated that “as we celebrate International Women’s Day in El Fasher, we support women’s rights across Darfur. Women and men are equal.”