In the heart of Sudan’s revolution, amidst the chants for justice and the fight against oppression, a quieter but equally profound struggle unfolded—one that resonates deeply with the pervasive issue of anti-blackness and the devaluation of women within global communities. As a Sudanese woman witnessing these events, I am acutely aware of how the spirit of the Kandake—the fierce queens of ancient Nubia—runs through each of us today.
As the world watched the streets of Khartoum fill with impassioned demonstrators, the narratives of Sudanese women emerged as pivotal but often overlooked threads in the liberation effort. In societies where race-based and gender-based hierarchies intertwine, Sudanese women found themselves navigating a complex existence where their identities as both black and female rendered them with an intersectional oppressed experience that echoed from the world back to their own communities.
The revolution for Sudanese women became not only a battle against political tyranny from multiple angles, but also a reckoning with ingrained prejudices in our culture that deemed women’s voices secondary and their contributions negligible. For me, and countless other Sudanese women, this moment was a call to reclaim our narratives and stand unapologetically at the forefront of change. The legacy of the Kandake, those ancient warrior queens who commanded respect and led with wisdom, resonates as a powerful symbol of our strength and resilience. Each woman in Sudan’s revolution embodies this spirit, confronting not only external forces but also internalized biases that sought to diminish our roles.
The Roots of the War and the Genocide Against Indigenous Africans in Nubia
The roots of Sudan’s recent conflicts can be traced back to longstanding ethnic, economic, and political disparities. The war in Sudan began as a struggle for resources and power, deeply entangled with the country’s colonial past and the subsequent marginalization of its diverse populations. Indigenous African communities, particularly in the regions of Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, and South Kordofan, were systematically oppressed by consecutive dictatorial governments which favored the Arabized northern elites.
The elites hoarded, and continue to hoard, wealth and resources which created a disparity between them and the peasantry, exacerbating tensions. The Sudanese elitist government’s neglect and exploitation of indigenous regions led to widespread poverty, underdevelopment, and destabilization among native Africans. When these communities demanded equitable treatment and access to resources, the government’s response was brutal.
The neo-colonial regime quickly spiraled into genocide, particularly in Darfur. The Sudanese government, under the regime of dictator Omar al-Bashir, strategized a campaign of violence and ethnic cleansing against the non-Arab populations — the natives. The government armed and supported militia groups known as the Janjaweed, who carried out widespread atrocities, including mass killings, rape, and displacement of millions. This campaign of terror was not only an attempt to quell rebellion but also to eliminate the indigenous African presence in resource-rich areas.
The Irony of Second-Class Citizenship and Gender Hierarchies
In the context of Sudan, the concept of second-class citizenship for indigenous African Sudanese people is laced with irony. Despite their significant contributions to the country’s cultural and historical heritage, these communities have been systematically colonized and treated as inferior.
The hierarchies that oppressed indigenous Africans also imposed patriarchal structures that devalued women’s contributions and voices. Thus, Sudanese women, particularly those from indigenous African backgrounds were pushed into an intersection of multiple levels of a colonized identity. This impacted not only the way they saw themselves, but their global perception as well.
The irony of second-class citizenship for women among the indigenous African Sudanese is not lost on me, however. My mother used to always say a proverb: “Sharr al baliyya ma yudhik” which translates roughly to “It’s the worst of the calamity that makes you laugh.” Sometimes in the midst of something horrible, yet deeply ironic, this is what we do to protect ourselves. I thank her for teaching me this lesson.
The revolution confronted some of these intersecting oppressions. While men and women alike took to the streets to demand change, women’s roles were frequently downplayed or overlooked. Yet, the spirit of the kandake inspired many Sudanese women to rise above these challenges. They became symbols of resilience and defiance, embodying the legacy of our warrior queen ancestors.
Reclaiming Narratives and Leading the Charge for Change
For Sudanese women, the revolution was not just a political struggle but a profound assertion of our identity and worth. In reclaiming the narratives that had long been overshadowed by patriarchal and racial biases, they drew strength from the Kandake, whose stories of leadership and valor provided a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing attitudes of subjugation.
As the revolution unfolded, Sudanese women stood at the forefront, challenging not only the political tyranny of the al-Bashir regime but also the deep-seated prejudices that sought to silence them. Their participation was a testament to their unwavering resolve and a clarion call for broader societal change.
That’s where our woman in white comes in. Emerging in 2019 in a white thobe leading chants on a truck surrounded by other angry violated women, stood a beacon of hope – our Woman in White. She is the original perpetrator of the embodiment of the Kandake, who reminded us that our ancestors instilled a power that not one other person in the world has aside from Indigenous Sudanese African women. How beautiful it is that this woman emerged and continues to be a symbol of resistance.
Realities of Sudanese Women in the Revolution
Sudanese women played a crucial role in the revolution, embodying the spirit of the ancientKandakes. Their stories reflect the multifaceted struggles they faced:
- Iman Osama: A 24-year-old translator and teacher, Iman was deeply involved in the protests, protecting barricades. After witnessing the massacre on June 3, 2019, she was in shock, losing close friends, and facing severe personal trauma but continued to resist.
- Nagda Mansour: A human rights activist from Darfur, Nagda has been politically active her entire life. She highlights the dual struggle of women fighting for the revolution and gender equality, facing police brutality, and risking their lives during protests.
- Umhani Abdulgadir Ibrahim: An Arabic teacher whose son was martyred during the protests. She found solace and strength in speaking out about her loss, becoming a voice for many grieving mothers and families.
- Wala Fadul: A women’s rights activist who faced harassment and danger but persisted in advocating against sexual violence. She and her friends confronted the oppressive forces even within the protest camps.
- Hiliwah: A tea seller who joined the sit-in protests, providing food and support to fellow demonstrators. Her participation underscores the essential role of ordinary women in sustaining the revolution.
These narratives highlight the intersectional struggles of Sudanese women, where racial and gender discrimination are inextricably linked. The revolution was not only against political tyranny but also a fight to reclaim their identities and assert their rights in a society that forced them into a colonial status.
The stories from Helena Manhartsberger’s project illustrate the profound courage and resilience of Sudanese women, who despite facing systemic oppression, emerged as pivotal figures in the revolution. Their experiences reveal the harsh realities of fighting against a regime that sought to suppress both their racial and gender identities.
The fight for liberation in Sudan is a multifaceted struggle against political oppression, racial discrimination, and gender inequality. The genocide against indigenous Africans and the systemic marginalization of these communities underscore the profound disparities that fueled the conflict. Yet, within this turmoil, the spirit of Sudanese women, inspired by the legacy of the Kandake, remains steadfast. Reminding all of us that our voices will be heard. Our fight for justice and equality continues to resonate, challenging entrenched hierarchies and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable Sudan.