We Cannot Wait Newsletter - 4th Edition

WE CANNOT WAIT CONSORTIUM

NEWSLETTER EDITION 4

Dear Reader, Welcome to the 4th edition of the We Cannot Wait newsletter, a project operating in five countries of the Greater Horn of Africa Region: Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Implemented by a consortium of five southern-led women’s rights organizations— namely the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), FIDA Uganda, NAGAAD Network, Musawah and led by SIHA Network.

In this issue, we underscore the power of resilience and the potential for positive change, even in the face of adversity, through compelling stories of transformation. Additionally, we provide updates from insightful discussions on policy advocacy and grassroots initiatives, highlighting the significance of collective action in driving meaningful progress.

We are grateful for your unwavering support and dedication to the We Cannot Wait Project.

We Cannot Wait Consortium Members

INSIDE SOFIA’S BRAVE JOURNEY OF SEEKING JUSTICE FOR SGBV SURVIVORS

ESCAPING 18 YEARS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: FATUMA’S JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

SPOTLIGHTING THE IMPACT OF THE GENDER EQUALITY NETWORK IN SOUTH KORDOFAN

HOW WOMEN’S AGENCY HAS IMPROVED ACCESS TO MATERNAL HEALTH CARE

LEGAL TRIUMPH AND JUSTICE SERVED FOR NURIA

BREAKING BARRIERS IN MALE DOMINATED FIELDS

ZAHARA’S QUEST FOR GENDER JUSTICE

IMPROVING ACCESS TO SAFE WATER IN LUTOUL VILLAGE

PARTNER PROJECT ACTIVITY UPDATES

BLOG SERIES

image: https://fatherlandgazette.com/

SOFIA’S BRAVE JOURNEY OF SEEKING JUSTICE FOR SGBV SURVIVORS Sofia Mohamed Ali, a 45-year-old Shibis

“I promised her that I would send them to

“Through these meetings, we’ve built

District Women’s Chairperson in Somalia

a safe house during the justice process,”

strong relationships,” she explains. “Now,

shares a powerful story of resilience and

Sofia recounts, determined to stand by

when we need legal support, protection,

solidarity within her community. For a

Fatuma every step of the way.

or financial assistance for Gender Based

decade, she has tirelessly worked with

Violence

(GBV)

survivors,

we

know

the NAGAAD Network as a Women’s Rights

After heartfelt discussions, Fatuma found

whom to turn to. This collaboration was

Activist (WRA), advocating for gender

the courage to report the case to the

nonexistent before.”

justice and women’s empowerment.

police, with Sofia’s unwavering support.

Sofia mobilized resources, by engaging a

This story is a testament to the resilience

She recounts the harrowing tale of

female lawyer and leveraging the support

of women and the transformative impact

Fatuma and her daughter, survivors of

of

of solidarity in the pursuit of gender

the same perpetrator who left the latter

facilitated by NAGAAD Network under the

pregnant after heinous acts of rape.

We Cannot Wait’ project.

the

women’s

coalition

meetings

Fear and shame silenced them, until a compassionate

neighbor

intervened,

bringing their plight to light.

Thanks

to

these

the

perpetrator

and

arrangements

concerted was

efforts,

apprehended,

were

made

for

Moved by their suffering, Sofia met with

the survivors’ financial support upon

Fatuma, offering solace and urging her

their return home. Sofia emphasizes

to seek justice. Despite Fatuma’s initial

the pivotal role of coalition meetings,

reluctance,

perpetrator’s

fostering collaboration and solidarity

death threats, Sofia pledged unwavering

among Women’s Rights Activists (WRAs)

support, drawing from her own journey

and

as a WRA.

(WROs) in Mogadishu.

fearing

the

Women’s

Rights

2

Organizations

justice.

fostering an effective women’s movement and enhancing women’s economic

empowerment,

the

network

has

catalyzed

positive

transformations within their community, reaching women from various social and economic backgrounds.

One of the GEN’s remarkable achievements revolves around their engagement with a network of women tea and food sellers. Through these sessions, women participated in open dialogues tackling critical issues such as sexual harassment, exploitation, and the urgent necessity for a protective framework to uphold their rights.

Unveiling the Impact of the WCW Gender Equality Network in South Kordofan, Sudan

Recognizing the pivotal role of legal knowledge and economic

Spotlighting the Impact of the Gender Equality Network in South Kordofan

empowerment, GEN promptly took action by organizing events serving as platforms for training and capacity-building. These efforts culminated in the establishment of a union dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of these women. The newly formed union received a nurturing environment where members underwent further training on the foundational principles of union work. This initiative not only equipped the members with essential advocacy skills but also fostered a sense of solidarity and collective empowerment among the women.

Furthermore, the GEN has forged partnerships with other local stakeholders to support vulnerable groups, including women farmers.

Through workshops and training sessions, women have acquired valuable skills, knowledge, and technical assistance to enhance their businesses and agricultural practices, leading to enhanced financial independence and improved livelihoods.

Collaborations with organizations such as MC Scotland, the Al-Nahda

W

Organization for Women, and political party networks have amplified

e are thrilled to showcase the incredible efforts of the

GEN’s impact, extending crucial support to women involved in political

Gender Equality Network (GEN) in South Kordofan, Sudan

spheres. These partnerships have further strengthened the GEN’s

dedicated to empowering women and addressing their

mission of promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment

diverse needs. Through a series of impactful trainings focused on

across diverse sectors of society.

LEGAL TRIUMPH AND JUSTICE SERVED FOR NURIA In 2002 Ethiopia Calendar (EC), Nuria

To Nuria’s shock and dismay, upon her

After a protracted legal process, the court

Mohammed (name changed), a 38-year-

arrival in Ethiopia, she discovered that

ruled in Nuria’s favor, acknowledging her

old resident of Dese in Ethiopia, married

her husband had married another woman

as Zeinu’s wife and granting her a share

her husband Zeinu Kedir (name changed)

and outrightly denied the children they

of their property.

in Saudi Arabia, where they were residing

had together. Adding insult to injury, he

at the time.

refused to acknowledge the wealth she

The court ordered Zeinu to pay 1,200

had painstakingly earned during their

Ethiopian Birr (EB) monthly for child

time in Saudi Arabia.

maintenance and 1,200,000 EB from the

Their union was arranged by elders in Addis Ababa, as per their religious

market share company. Nuria expressed

customs, and the ceremony took place in

In November 2013 EC, Nuria sought

her profound gratitude to the Ethiopian

Saudi Arabia. After spending most of their

assistance from the Dese Voluntary

Women Lawyers Association, through

time in Saudi, they planned to return to

Committee of the Ethiopian Women

the We Cannot Wait Project for their

Ethiopia, with Zeinu relocating first, while

Lawyers

Association

the

invaluable legal assistance and solidarity,

Nuria was to join him after giving birth to

ensuing

legal

husband

without which this victory would have

their son.

persistently denied her status as his wife

battle,

(EWLA). her

In

and rejected any paternity claims.

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been unattainable.

Zahara’s Quest for Gender Justice Meet

27-year-old

with women from diverse backgrounds

dedicated advocate for gender equality

Zahara

but also provided a platform for sharing

who embarked on her journey by

invaluable experiences.

championing

Ahmed,

a

against

gender-based

violence in her community. Driven by

As a member of the NAGAAD Network,

her passion, Zahara immersed herself

Zahara

in understanding policies, laws, and

stakeholders, including political leaders,

societal norms that either hinder or

media houses, and women and youth

promote gender equality. Over the past

leaders.

two and a half years, she witnessed the

profoundly influenced her perspective

transformative impact of the NAGAAD

and contributed to her role in serving her

Network’s

community.

initiatives

in

Mogadishu,

has

engaged

These

with

interactions

various

have

sparking her interest in joining the ‘We Cannot Wait’ women’s coalition. She

Additionally,

describes it as an inspiring experience

in training organized by We Cannot

witnessing

the

Women’s

Rights

groundwork

through

participation

laid

by

Wait women’s rights-based affiliated

Organizations

in

organizations, Zahara has gained skills

lobbying and advocating for change for

in gender budgeting, women’s rights

Somali women.

advocacy, and public campaigning. The latter, in particular, has been instrumental

Zahara’s journey has been enriched by

in shifting her mindset and enhancing

opportunities to broaden her network

her capacity to serve her clients and

through travel and participation in events

community effectively. women

such as the Gender in Islam Training in

to

meaningfully

engage

in

Ethiopia and the WCW Regional Gender

She expresses gratitude to the We

political and social issues, and speak with

Forum in Uganda. These experiences

Cannot Wait project, through the NAGAAD

one voice to address gender disparities in

have not only enabled her to connect

Network, for providing a platform for

Somalia.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO SAFE WATER IN LUTOUL VILLAGE IImage:https://www.meer.com/

The limited available water source posed

In collaboration with local leaders, the

challenges for both humans and animals,

activists engaged the Mayor of Laroo

who shared from the same deteriorating

Division, who pledged to prioritize the

well.

issue in the 2023 budget. The Mayor, deeply committed to the cause, leveraged

Recognizing the pressing need for action,

his position to advocate for support from

Women’s Rights Activists (WRAs) Laker

other networks and partners.

Jacky and Irene Lillian, members of the Pakwelo-Unyama, raised concerns within

Responding

to

the

urgent

need,

Access to clean and safe water is a

the We Cannot Wait Coalition about the

the

Church,

through

their

fundamental human right necessary for a

community’s struggles due to inadequate

organization “A Drop in the Bucket,”

quality life. However, in the small village

access to safe water. The coalition

stepped up and took on the project.

of Lutoul, located in Gulu city, Uganda,

swiftly acknowledged the urgency of the

In November 2023, they successfully

the community were grappling with water

situation and agreed to take immediate,

constructed a borehole in Lutoul Village,

scarcity between December 2022 and

collective action.

providing a sustainable solution to the

Catholic

water scarcity issue.

October 2023.

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https://www.nursingcenter.com/

ESCAPING 18 YEARS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: FATUMA’S JOURNEY TO FREEDOM Fatuma Hassen, a 38-year-old mother of four, endured an agonizing 18-year cycle of domestic abuse in her marriage to Abujebar Hassen, a 57-year-old merchant in Dire Dawa and JigJig in Ethiopia.

Throughout those years, Fatuma suffered physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. Despite the torment, she felt trapped due to her dependency on Hassen, as she was unemployed and relied solely on him for financial support. Compounding her predicament, Fatuma’s family also depended on Hassen’s financial assistance and treated him favorably, shielding him from accountability.

Her silence was enforced by fear, especially concerning her two stepsons from Hassen’s previous marriage, who struggled with substance abuse. Fatuma dreaded that her daughters would fall victim to their abuse.

Fatuma’s marriage was not one of love

but coercion, as she was pressured into it by Hassen’s lavish financial gestures towards her family. From the moment she entered her matrimonial home, she endured daily verbal assaults and physical beatings from Hassen, often over trivial matters like their daughters’ food consumption. He would wield any nearby object as a weapon, inflicting severe injuries.

One harrowing incident involved Hassen threatening to bury Fatuma alive in a hole he dug in their backyard, a trauma that left her mentally drained by 2020.

With callous disregard for her well-being, Hassen abandoned her on the streets of Harar, where she wandered for five months until her family friend alerted her relatives.

Rescued by her family, Fatuma underwent over a year of psychiatric treatment to recover from the trauma. However, her father, believing she was nothing without Hassen, forced her back into the abusive

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household, and the violence resumed unabated.

Fatuma’s fortune turned when her brother from Canada visited and learned of her suffering. He promptly took her to the Dire Dawa Women and Children Affairs Office, which referred her to the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) Dire Dawa Branch in June 2023.

With EWLA’s support, Fatuma successfully divorced Hassen in 2024, gained custody of their children, secured a portion of the marital assets and received child maintenance payments of Ethiopian (EB) of 15,000.00 per month for her three children, as one had reached adulthood.

Her journey from victim to survivor stands as a manifestation of resilience and the transformative power of seeking help and support.

How Women’s Agency has Improved Access to Maternal Health Care In September 2023, Santa Ayoo assumed

involving

a new role as the leader of the Health

management, and WRAs, the district

Committee for Health Center (HC) II

approved

Nyangatir,

been

to acquire the land housing the vital

upgraded to HC III. With the addition of

water source. This acquisition led to the

a maternity ward, the need for reliable

installation of a water pump and solar-

water became paramount, since this

powered system, significantly enhancing

directly impacted the quality of health

services at Nyangatir Health Center.

which

had

recently

the a

landowner,

hospital

supplementary

budget

care that was being provided to patients.

The shortage compelled health workers

Furthermore,

and patients alike to rely on neighboring

additional challenges, such as the narrow

households for water.

entryway to the maternity ward and the

the

WRAs

identified

absence of a ramp for wheelchair and

SANTA WITH HOSPITAL STAFF AT THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED RAMP AT THE MATERNITY WARD AT NYANGATIR HEALTH CENTER

Recognizing the gravity of the situation,

hospital bed accessibility, particularly for

Ms. Santa, alongside CP Susan Akello

expectant mothers with mobility issues.

This transformational impact would not

and Women Rights Activists (WRAs) Zola

In October 2023, the hospital committee

have been possible without the support

Apio, convened a meeting with the Area

secured

successfully

of the We Cannot Wait project. Since

Councilor and Town Clerk to address

construct a ramp and expand the

its inception, the project has provided

the issue. A potential water source near

entrance,

platforms for women activists to network,

the hospital was identified, but the

accessibility at the Health Center.

resources vastly

to

improving

service

forge meaningful partnerships, and receive

landowner demanded compensation for

training that has empowered them to

access. Through persistent negotiations

assume leadership roles in the district..

BREAKING BARRIERS IN MALE DOMINATED FIELDS for her in the construction industry.

Rita’s

aspirations

extend

beyond

personal success. She envisions herself as a role model for young girls, inspiring them to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. With optimism, she

anticipates

that

her

newfound

skills will not only ensure her economic independence but also contribute to the well-being of her family.

Recognizing the potential challenges she may encounter while entering the job Rita

Peter,

supported

by

financial

Expressing her gratitude to the SIHA

market, Rita appeals to the SIHA Network

assistance from the SIHA Network under

Network for providing her with this

and other We Cannot Wait Coalition

the We Cannot Wait Project, recently

opportunity,

the

Members in South Sudan for support in

completed a one-year vocational training

significance of these skills in enabling her

connecting her with various networks,

program in Building and Construction at

to secure employment despite the field

that will allow her to fully utilize her skills

Saint Vincent Vocational School in South

being predominantly male. She firmly

and expertise.

Sudan.

believes that her training will open doors

Rita

6

emphasized

PARTNER UPDATES EMPOWERING WOMEN PEACE ACTIVISTS TO ENGAGE IN PEACE NEGOTIATIONS & ADVOCATE FOR GENDER JUSTICE IN ETHIOPIA reconciliation processes. The training involved various organizations committed to advancing women’s rights, including volunteer committee members of the Ethiopian Women Lawyers’ Association (EWLA). Its goal was to enhance and empower

women’s

involvement

in

peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts.

Recognizing their significant contributions as volunteer paralegal service providers at the grassroots level and their provision of legal assistance and support to women across various regions, EWLA presented Certificates of Recognition to the women

Empowering Women Peace Activists to Lead Engage Peace Negotiations and Advocate for Gender Justice in Ethiopia

Acknowledging grassroots

the

women’s

dedication rights

of

activists

to the women’s rights movement, a

peace activists who participated in the event.

capacity-building training was conducted on

conflict

prevention,

resolution,

and

post-conflict

peacebuilding,

HIGHLIGHTS FROM REGIONAL CONSULTATIONS ON FAMILY LAW REFORM IN AFRICA The We Cannot Wait Consortium was effectively represented by the SIHA Network at the 3-day Regional Strategic Consultation on Family Law Reform in Africa organized by the Africa Family Law Network. The event took place at the Fairway Hotel in Kampala from March 25 to 27, 2024.

This

significant

gathering

aimed

to

empower national organizations and advocates to strategize for short to medium-term family law reform across Africa and establish synergies to sustain an inclusive movement for collective action.

The consultation was attended by 33

Highlights from Regional Consultations on Family Law Reform in Africa

representatives from countries including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tunisia, South

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Africa, Ghana, the Gambia, Cameroon,

underrepresentation

South Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland.

decision-making

positions,

Tailored sessions delved into country-

legislation,

of

will,

learned

from

diverse

jurisdictions,

specific contexts, encountered barriers,

stakeholder opposition, limited access

engaging

with

religious

institutions

available opportunities, and ongoing

to information and legal services for

to

family

marginalized groups, and discriminatory

enhancing

laws.

amplify voices in pursuit of meaningful

law

reforms.

Additionally,

participants deliberated on leveraging

lack

of

women

in

campaigns on the importance of family

pending

law, exchanging insights and lessons

political

regional and international instruments for national advocacy efforts.

facilitate

reform

regional

dialogues,

and

collaboration

to

reforms.

However, amidst these challenges, the consultation yielded resolutions aimed

The collaboration and strategic advocacy

at fostering positive change. Participants

efforts fostered during the consultation

inadequate

committed

to

utilizing

regional

aim to overcome obstacles and establish

legislation

instruments

for

national

advocacy,

a fairer legal framework for families

safeguarding women and girls’ rights,

continuous

community

awareness

continent-wide.

The

consultation

challenges,

revealed

including

implementation

of

critical

WE CANNOT WAIT CONSORTIUM AT #CSW68

The We Cannot Wait Consortium was

to the systematic impoverishment of

The recordings are now available on

well-represented by SIHA Network and

women in Sudan, as well as the impacts

YouTube

FIDA Uganda at the 68th United Nations

of post-conflict policies on women’s

Commission on the Status of Women

wealth generation.

(CSW68), held from March 11th to 22nd, 2023, in New York. Two side events were

The

convened, shedding light on critical issues

frameworks governing family laws on

second

panel

explored

legal

affecting women’s empowerment in Sudan

succession, inheritance, marriage, and

and the broader Horn of Africa region.

divorce in the Horn of Africa, and how this significantly affects women’s economic

The inaugural event delved into the fundamental

causes

that

empowerment over generations.

contribute

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COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

In observance of International Women’s Day, a Virtual Regional Reflection Meeting was organized to highlight the impactful efforts of the We Cannot Wait Project Consortium Members. Under the theme “Enhancing Women’s Resilience in the Horn of Africa,” the partners shared strategies for women’s inclusion, from advocating for equitable laws to empowering grassroots movements.

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Helping Find Sudan's Missing Women and Girls #BringSudanMissingGirlsAndWomenBack

Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa

Since the onset of the Sudan crisis in April 2023, SIHA Network has documented over 124 cases of missing women and girls through social media, highlighting a deeply concerning situation. Among these cases, 21 women and girls have been located, while the rest remain unaccounted for. These alarming figures underscore the critical necessity for justice and immediate measures to confront the escalating disappearance crisis in Sudan.

In response to this crisis, SIHA Network initiated a campaign against enforced disappearances of women and girls in Sudan. The hashtags #BringSudanMissingGirlsAndWomenBack and #‫ أعيدوهن مفقودات_السودان‬are being promoted across social media platforms to raise awareness and demand justice.

You can also contribute to the conversation on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram by using the same hashtags.

Additionally, we extend an invitation to survivors and their families to share their stories with us. This will help shed light on the impact of enforced disappearance on women and girls.

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