Sudanese women sustain social fabric amid war through home businesses

The women’s bulletin of the Sudan News Agency, published as part of the Arab News Agencies Union’s women’s media service, has highlighted the journey of Sudanese women in public life and work, and examined the impact of the war that erupted in April 2023 on women and their families.

The bulletin noted that the war imposed extraordinary circumstances and increased responsibilities on Sudanese women, forcing them to seek alternative sources of income and manage crises, in addition to caring for their families. This has driven women to innovate new ways to endure and adapt.

Sudanese women have stood out in relief initiatives, healthcare, and communal kitchens, continuing to provide medical services and launching economic and productive projects. Many have turned to establishing small businesses and home-based ventures, leveraging digital platforms for marketing.

The bulletin explained that women’s participation in the workforce began with the spread of girls’ education in the early 20th century, and their presence has grown in professional sectors and legislative bodies. Women accounted for 30% of parliamentary representation in 2015. According to World Bank data for 2022, women’s participation in the labor force reached about 14.5%.

Impact of war on the labor market and women’s role in relief

The war has led to the shutdown of factories, markets, and infrastructure, and displaced large numbers of families, resulting in lost sources of income. In response, women have launched community initiatives such as communal kitchens and food banks, and have worked to establish small businesses in food production, handicrafts, and services, helping to support families and stimulate local markets.

In the health sector, female medical and nursing staff have played a pivotal role in maintaining services in hospitals, shelters, and displacement camps.

Sudanese women in media: resilience during wartime

Salwa Hassan Siddig, professor of journalism and media at Omdurman Islamic University, said Sudanese women in media have emerged during the war as key partners in raising awareness and reporting events, despite professional and family pressures and risks. She added that female journalists have continued their mission through official institutions, newspapers, and media platforms, contributing to public awareness and discussion of political, social, and economic issues.

The presence of Sudanese women in media dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, when pioneers helped establish journalism and women’s intellectual work.

Businesswomen and economic initiatives amid crisis

Samia Shabo, deputy head of the Economic Services Chamber at the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, explained that businesswomen have strived to maintain their economic activities and re-establish their projects in food production and handicrafts, even after displacement. They have drawn on their experience to find new marketing channels and continue working despite limited resources.

Shabo stressed that women-led projects have supported the local economy and created job opportunities. Businesswomen have also extended support to affected families and community initiatives. She emphasized the importance of empowering women to regain their productive capacity by providing financing, energy, equipment, and linking products to local and international markets.

The bulletin concluded that Sudanese women have not merely witnessed the events of the war, but have played a central role in managing daily life, protecting the social fabric, and ensuring dignified living conditions.