Minister defends his presence in an international women’s event

Khartoum: Haffiya Elyas

Minister of Social Development, Ahmed Adam Bakhit explained that his participation in the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to discuss women’s issues at the United Nations headquarters in New York was in his capacity as Minister of Social Development and not a representative of Sudanese women, pointing out to the importance of the event.

He added that this press conference aimed at refuting the controversy that dominated the social media on his participation, affirming that the Sudanese delegation in the event included four females.

The Minister pointed out that other countries were represented by males such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Italy.

Bakhit said that Sudan is now witnessing an exceptional stage and big challenges at the political, economic and social levels, in particular the requirements of democratic transition, armed conflicts in neighboring countries, climate change and Covid-19 pandemic.

He stressed that the Government of Sudan is working to expand social protection systems for the IDPs, refugees, vulnerable communities, women and the informal sector.

The Minister referred to the issue of violations facing women, explaining that the ministry has a complete unit concerned with this aspect and follows up cases from within the courts.

On violations against women in Darfur, he said that committees have been formed to investigate and follow up all cases related to violence.