Sudan

As the situation in Darfur continues, sexual violence remains in the forefront as a means of war and humiliation. As a result, survivors of sexual violence are not only ostracized by their families and communities but left to struggle alone with the long-term effects of this brutal victimization.

Life is not easy for many women in Sudan. Because of decades of civil war, they have suffered extreme violence and trauma due to displacements, the loss of life and instability of their country.

Women's groups in Khartoum are working together to push for reform of north Sudan's criminal laws on rape and adultery. Despite all of the difficulties that they face, they are taking positive steps forward and using the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to launch their campaign.

The South Sudan Women's Network for a peaceful Referendum has been formed in Awiel, Northen Bhar El Gazal State on August 10th, 2010, attended by various women's groups from the community based organizations. The workshop started by the arrival of the guest of honor Acting Governor Hon. Madut Dut H.E Madut, who officially opened the workshop by the following remarks:

A two-day consultative workshop on gender issues organized by UNAMID, concluded yesterday in Nyala, South Darfur.

The occasion was used to discuss the status of the implementation of UNSCR 1325, a landmark resolution by the UN Security Council which ensures that the promotion of women's empowerment and gender equality form a central part of efforts to implement peacekeeping mandates.

Newly elected members of parliament from Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly in Southern Sudan took part today in a one-day gender awareness workshop in the state capital Yambio.

The 48 parliamentarians were introduced to basic gender concepts, the importance of gender responsive budgeting and the importance of monitoring government programmes for gender equality and empowerment.

South Sudan is preparing to repatriate some 1.5 million southerners from the north and Egypt, ahead of a referendum due next January on whether the south should secede.

The proposals suggest returnees will travel on trains and buses, as well as boats down the River Nile.

Some two million people have already returned to the south since the end of a two-decade conflict in 2005.

JUBA - Col. Rodento Tungun of Southern Sudan Prison Service (SSPS) has told women in southern Sudan to work hard in order to achieve the twenty five percent allocation of the constitutional jobs reserved for their lot by the government.

The first ladies Tuesday 10th Aug. signed a memorandum of understanding that will foresee the enhancement of girl education and women empowerment in Sudan. Mary Ayen Mayardit, wife to Goss president Salva Kiir Mayardit and Widad Babiker Omer, wife to President Hassan Omer Bashir are both heading organizations that raise awareness on the discrimination against women and girls.

Sudanese Activists, men and women denounce Violence against Women being legalised in Sudan and call upon the Sudan Parliament to rise to the expectations of the Sudanese Society We call upon the Sudan government, UN agencies, the African Union countries, Human Rights organizations, the International community and men and women of faith across the world to join hands and stop the Sudan Parliament whose majority represents the current Sudan ruli