This article was published for the first time on the symposium on Women orgnised by Darb al intifada
Women and Politics in Sudan
CHARTER AND PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE PROGRESSION OF SUDANESE
WOMEN IN THE NEXT DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN
The Contribution of Ms. Zainab Osman Al-Hussain
President of the Sudanese Women's Forum (SWF)
and the Women's Representative of the Democratic Unionist Party
in Cairo, Egypt.
Dear Sudanese sisters and brothers,
From Cairo, I send my greetings, and I am very happy to see the valuable contributions from my fellow sisters in the global net. Being connected to exchange our ideas and criticisms is the first step for all of us as women to achieve our common goals at this critical time of our history.
In this message, please let me keep you informed with our charter in the Sudanese Women Forum. In my next message I will keep you informed with the latest developments in Cairo regarding the NDA reaction to our demands and the role that we ought to play in the upcoming conference in Asmara.
CHARTER AND PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE PROGRESSION OF SUDANESE
WOMEN IN THE NEXT DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN
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BY ZEINAB OSMAN AL-HUSSAIN,
PRESIDENT SUDANESE WOMEN FORUM
(CAIRO, EGYPT, 1997)
I. INTRODUCTION:
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This is a Charter and Plan of Action to ensure the commitment of democracy forces, as well as that of all national personalities, to support the Sudanese women's movement to participate in the political, economic, social, and cultural activities of Sudan through democratic parties, trades unions, and the other civil society organizations in and outside the country.
The Charter and Plan of Action are meant to be applied in the present time, as is appropriate, with a view to guarantee the Sudanese women's participation as full partners in the programs, decision making, and executive work of the upcoming Transitional Government of the Sudan.
This Charter and Plan of Action is open for discussion and was approval by Sudanese forces of democracy, especially the women's organizations. NDA forces, Sudanese human rights organizations, and Sudan national personalities are invited to sign their names as signatories obligated to this Charter.
II. GENERAL PRINCIPLES:
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The signatories of this Charter and Plan of Action for the Progression of Sudanese Women in the Next Democratic Government of the Sudan. Solemnly Convinced that Sudanese women are full partners with men in the long-standing struggle for the establishment of national unity, peace, democratic rule, and women's rights; Continuously Recognizing the urgent need to assure the rights of women to attain equal representation with men in the National Democratic Alliance and any other national formulations by Sudan democratic forces; Strongly announce their commitment to the cause of progression of the women of Sudan in all spheres of the social life and areas of governance; and Particularly endorse the following principles as fundamental rules for the adoption and implementation of this Charter and Plan of Action for the Progression of Sudanese Women in the next Transitional Rule of the Sudan:
(*) The progression of women is not solely conferred on women. Men shall equally take the responsibility with women to achieve a steady increase in women's progression.
(*) The progression of women is directly related to the application of the international human rights instruments, especially those concerned with women's rights.
(*) Women's rights and public freedoms are necessarily consonant with the teachings of Islam and the other religions or spiritual orientations that call upon mankind to live in equalitarian terms.
(*) The realization of full equality between women and men does not negate the right of women to maternity or their special concern for the family and children.
(*) Emphasizing the equality of sex in all rights and freedoms, men are required to show respect for the significant roles that women play in the socialization of Sudan new generations.
(*) The right to political, economic, and social organization is a fundamental right for the enjoyment of the social life by all women of the Sudan.
(*) The women's representation in Sudan's democratic structures shall not be prejudiced by affiliation to opposition or ruling parties.
(*) Sudan women shall have the right to represent the female farming and working class, housewives, and students in all leadership positions. This includes the Judiciary, diplomatic missions, and the other important public service activities.
(*) The development of rural women is a direct responsibility of the State, political parties and trades unions, and the women's independent organizations. The women shall be committed to accomplish this goal in close cooperation with men.
(*) The liberation of Sudanese society from the misconceptions and harmful habits that undermine the women's status and role is a national mission for all men and women of the Sudan. Although women's organizations shall lead the campaign for the elimination of all destructive ideas and practices, the responsibility of making and enforcing such programs is a public activity for all People of the Sudan.
III. PROGRAM OF ACTION TO ACHIEVE PROGRESSION OF WOMEN AND THE PROMOTION OF WOMEN'S STATUS IN THE SUDAN: =================================================================
The signatories of this Charter and Plan of Action are committed to take all serious measures to implement the following program to improve the status of women in the Sudan, motivate the People of Sudan to believe in women's rights, and defend the freedoms of women to promote the social life of the existing and future generations of the Sudan:
(1) Commitment to the International Agreement on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (The Copenhagen Agreement)
(2) Organizational Aspects of Applying the International Agreement:
(i) The Transitional Government shall establish a National Committee for the Rights and Freedoms of Sudan Women. The National Committee shall supervise over the implementation of the international agreements on women's rights.
(ii) The State shall promote the status of women in accordance with international human rights norms and the teachings of religions that strengthen the situation of women in society.
(iii) The National Committee shall be composed of representatives of women's independent organizations and professional groups, bureaus of political parties, and trades unions. A woman judge shall be appointed by the Judiciary to act as Legal Adviser of the National Committee. Another woman shall be appointed by the State to represent the Public Service, and the Private Sector shall appoint a female to represent it in the Committee.
(iv) The State shall allocate an annual budget for the National Committee. A special law shall specify jurisdiction of the Committee and its eligibility to increase funding by donations from regional and international sources.
(v) The Committee shall provide for the participation of its membership in all legislative committees of Sudan Constitution to voice the women's concerns in the legislative process of the country.
(vi) The Committee shall represent the State of The Sudan before CEDAW, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
IV. PROGRAMS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUDAN RURAL WOMEN:
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(1) The State shall support the activities of Sudan women as exercised by the National Committee, in addition to all independent women's organizations, to enhance implementation of the International Agreement on women's rights.
(2) The Transitional Government shall provide for strong regular campaigns to increase women's rights in the government-owned mass media and cultural programs. These programs must be closely supervised by the Women's Committee in the transitional rule of the country.
(3) A special fund shall be specified to promote the conditions of rural women in the light of plans and programs of the National Committee. Bank loans and other financial programs must be offered for rural women to improve their professional training and economic and political status.