Articles

Zeinab Osman Al-Hussain (Cairo, Egypt, 1997) Former President of the Sudanese Women's Forum (in exile)

I. INTRODUCTION:

This is a Charter and Plan of Action. It aims 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. The struggle pursued through democratic parties, the 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 appropriate, with a view to guarantee the Sudanese women's participation full partnership 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. The Sudanese forces of democracy, especially women's organizations, NDA forces, Sudanese human rights organizations, and Sudanese national personalities are invited to support this Charter with further discussion and necessary suggestions.

II. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

The signatories of this Charter and Plan of Action for the Progression of Sudanese Women in the Next Democratic Transition of Sudan:

Solemnly convinced that the 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 recognize the urgent need to assure the rights of women to attain equal representation with men in the National Democratic Alliance and all other national formulations of the Sudanese 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;

Particularly endorse the following fundamental principles for the adoption and implementation of the Charter and Plan of Action to achieve progression of the Sudanese Women in the next Transitional Rule of Sudan:

(*) The progression and continuous promotion of women's status is not solely conferred on the women. Men shall equally take responsibility with the women to achieve a consistent advancement of the women's movement.

(*) The progression of women is directly related to the application of the international human rights instruments, especially those concerned with women's rights.

(*) All 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 egalitarian terms.

(*) The realization of full equality between women and men does not negate the right of women to maternity or any other special concerns of the women for the family and children.

(*) Emphasizing the equality of sex with respect to all rights and freedoms, Sudanese men are strongly required to show full respect to the significant roles that the women play in the socialization of Sudan's new generations.

(*) The women's right to establish political, economic, social organization and assembly to exercise the freedom of expression is a fundamental issue to insure full enjoyment of human rights by all women of the Sudan.

(*) The women's representation in Sudanese democratic structures must not be prejudiced by affiliation to either opposition or ruling parties.

(*) The Sudanese women shall have the right to represent female farming and working classes, housewives, or female students in all positions of political, judicial, or administrative leadership. This includes the Judiciary, diplomatic missions, and the other important public service activities of the State.

(*) The development of rural women is a direct responsibility of the State, political parties and trades unions, besides 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 to pursue all over the country. Without prejudice of the women's organizations endeavor to lead the campaign for the elimination of all gender-negative ideas or practices, the responsibility of enforcing such programs is a public activity for all People of 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 serious measures to implement the following program to improve the status of women in Sudan. The Program motivates the Sudanese People to believe in women's rights, defend the freedoms of women, and promotes the social life of the existing and future generations of Sudan:

I. Commitment to the International Agreement on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, The Copenhagen Agreement)

II. Organizational Aspects of Applying the International Agreement:

(i) The Next Democratic Transition Rule shall establish a National Committee for the Rights and Freedoms of the Women of Sudan. The National Committee supervises over the State's implementation of the international agreements on women's rights.

(ii) The National Committee would be composed of women's independent organizations and professional groups, the women bureaus of political parties, and female trades unionists. Appointed by the Judiciary, a woman judge acts as Legal Adviser of the National Committee. Another woman must be appointed by the State to represent the Public Service. The Private Sector should appoint a female to represent the sector in Committee.

(iii) The State shall promote the status of women in accordance with international human rights norms and the teachings of religions that specifically strengthen the position of women in society.

(iv) The State allocates an annual budget for the National Committee as a national component. Special law specifies jurisdiction and eligibility of the Committee for the regional and international funding of the Committee.

(v) The Committee allows membership participation in all aspects of the legislature to voice the women's concerns in the legislative process of the country.

(vi) The Committee represents the State of Sudan before CEDAW, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

IV. SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUDAN RURAL WOMEN

(1) The State supports activities of the Sudanese 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 supports strong regular campaigns to increase the women's rights in the government-owned mass media and cultural programs. The Women's Committee supervises the cultural programs throughout the transitional rule of the country.

(3) A special must be allocated to promote the conditions of rural women in the light of National Committee's plans and programs. This includes bank loans and other financial facilities to improve rural women's professional training, as well economic and political status.