On March 9, 2024, the Cultural Office of the German-Sudanese Association organized a special event to mark International Women’s Day, celebrating the role of Sudanese women throughout history and recognizing their pivotal contribution to building society, both at home and abroad.
This celebration was part of the Association’s cultural and educational mission, rooted in the belief that empowering women and preserving their historical and social presence is inseparable from the broader concerns of social cohesion in the diaspora and the transmission of values to future generations.
Sudanese Women Through History
The event highlighted key milestones in the history of Sudanese women, starting from the ancient Nubian era, where women appeared as rulers and leaders under the title Kandaka—a symbol of authority, courage, and political and military leadership.
The life of Mahira bint Aboud was also remembered. She played a crucial national role in resisting the Turko-Egyptian invasion during the Battle of Korti in 1820, becoming a model of the woman as fighter and mobilizer, inspiring people to defend sovereignty.
In modern history, the program shed light on the emergence of Sudanese women in all fields of life, particularly since their entry into higher education in the early 1930s, followed by the right to vote in 1953 and the right to run for office in 1964. Today, Sudanese women are active partners in political movements, cultural work, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence.
Children’s Presence and Community Dialogue
A children’s choir added a special touch to the celebration, performing songs that honored Sudanese women and reinforced their place in the collective memory of future generations.
A women-led dialogue session was also dedicated to discussing marriage traditions in Sudan, past and present, providing an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences and perspectives. This added social and cultural depth to the discussions.
Between History and Reality
The German-Sudanese Association believes that commemorating such occasions should go beyond symbolic appreciation. It is an educational and cultural act that restores recognition to Sudanese women and nurtures a renewed awareness of their role within the diaspora.
Women in migrant communities still face compounded challenges: balancing family responsibilities, pressures of integration, and maintaining cultural identity. Highlighting inspiring models from Sudanese history helps empower women and strengthen their self-confidence.
