From where I stand: Sudanese women advocating for peace is not a crime, they need a seat at the peace table

*Amal (real name withheld for safety) is a Sudanese women's rights activist and peace builder. Shel was arrested in October 2023 alongside nine other women for their advocacy work on the ‘Stop the War’ campaign. *Amal participated in Sudan Women’s Peace Dialogue by UN Women the African Union aimed at ensuring a gender inclusive peace process in Sudan.

When the conflict, erupted in Khartoum in April 2023, my life was shattered. My immediate and extended family members all lived in Khartoum. I had just moved to Blue Nile State for work, but I had property and sources of livelihood back in Khartoum. With the conflict, we lost everything that we had as a family: homes, jobs, and businesses evaporated overnight, leaving us with nothing but the trauma of loss. My whole family was forced to relocate to Blue Nile where I was working for safety. Suddenly, I found myself providing shelter and support to a big family which significantly increased my expenditure. The burden of care increased.

Women have borne the brunt of this conflict the most. Not only have they lost their sources of livelihoods and homes, but they have also experienced untold stories of sexual gender-based violence.

Amidst this backdrop of adversity, together with other Sudanese women, we started a grassroots movement dedicated to stopping the war through peace advocacy and community mobilization. Our mission was clear: to amplify the voices of Sudanese women in the quest for peace.

The plight of Sudanese women should not be ignored. Women are not just victims; they are agents of change, advocating tirelessly for inclusion in peace processes.

My peace advocacy efforts came at a steep price. Arrested alongside nine other women for our "Stop the War" campaign, I was forced to flee Sudan, leaving behind my home, possessions, and family members. Even though I have found refuge in a safer environment, the fear of reprisal and concern for my family back home haunt me daily.

The struggle for peace is not a crime. No woman should face imprisonment for speaking out against injustice.

I urge the international community to put pressure on the conflicting parties to cease fire, particularly in Blue Nile state, where several people have sought refuge. Peace building processes should be all inclusive and not leave women behind, as they are the most affected by the conflict. Sudanese women need a seat at the peace table. Their voices must be heard, their experiences acknowledged. Only then can we truly build a sustainable peace.