Feel It: Women and Girls First

By: Haffiya Elyas
hafielyas@yahoo.com

The northern state of Dongola will host, on the twenty-ninth of this month, a workshop on protecting women and girls first in peace and war, by Women National Group in partnership with the University of Dongola, the Unit for Combating Violence against Women, and the Reyada Voluntary Center.

Women in times of conflict are entitled to the guarantees that must be accorded to all protected persons. This means respect for and exercise of their personality, honour, family rights, and religious convictions, as well as the right to humane treatment at all times and the right to be protected from all acts of violence. In addition to these rights, humanitarian law recognizes that “women must be protected in particular against any attack on their honour, in particular against rape, forced prostitution, and any indecent assault” (Geneva Convention 4, art. 27; Protocol 1, art. 76.1).

The Unit for Combating Violence Against Women is the first nucleus of a distinguished effort towards empowering women, preserving their rights, preventing cases of violence against women in various regions, and making a real addition towards completing all services for different segments of society.

Recently, Women National Group and Dongola University College of Community Development signed a memorandum of understanding to empower women and girls economically, socially, and politically.

The National Women’s Group vision a stable Sudan where women and girls enjoy dignity, justice, peace, and sustainable development—especially in conflict-affected regions.

We salute the efforts of the General Secretariat for Social Affairs and its interest in women’s issues, preserving their rights and dignity, and enhancing their role and contributions within society.

In order to eliminate violence against women, clear legislation must be enacted that defines violence and criminalizes those who perpetrate it, while taking the necessary measures and procedures to identify the perpetrators and prevent impunity.

We also salute those in charge of the workshop and come up with recommendations that help women preserve their rights and dignity so that they can live in society in security, peace, and stability.