We Cannot Wait Newsletter - 4th Edition

WE CANNOT WAIT CONSORTIUM

EDITION 4 NEWSLETTER

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

SPOTLIGHTING THE IMPACT OF THE GENDER EQUALITY NETWORK IN SOUTH KORDOFAN

LEGAL TRIUMPH AND JUSTICE SERVED FOR NURIA

ZAHARA’S QUEST FOR GENDER JUSTICE

IMPROVING ACCESS TO SAFE WATER IN LUTOUL VILLAGE

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

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

BREAKING BARRIERS IN MALE DOMINATED FIELDS

PARTNER PROJECT ACTIVITY UPDATES

BLOG SERIES

SOFIA’S BRAVE JOURNEY OF SEEKING JUSTICE FOR SGBV SURVIVORS

Sofia Mohamed Ali, a 45-year-old Shibis District Women’s Chairperson in Somalia shares a powerful story of resilience and solidarity within her community. For a decade, she has tirelessly worked with the NAGAAD Network as a Women’s Rights Activist (WRA), advocating for gender justice and women’s empowerment.

She recounts the harrowing tale of Fatuma and her daughter, survivors of the same perpetrator who left the latter pregnant after heinous acts of rape. Fear and shame silenced them, until a compassionate neighbor intervened, bringing their plight to light.

Moved by their suffering, Sofia met with Fatuma, offering solace and urging her to seek justice. Despite Fatuma’s initial reluctance, fearing the perpetrator’s death threats, Sofia pledged unwavering support, drawing from her own journey as a WRA.

“I promised her that I would send them to a safe house during the justice process,” Sofia recounts, determined to stand by Fatuma every step of the way.

After heartfelt discussions, Fatuma found the courage to report the case to the police, with Sofia’s unwavering support. Sofia mobilized resources, by engaging a female lawyer and leveraging the support of the women’s coalition meetings facilitated by NAGAAD Network under the We Cannot Wait’ project.

Thanks to these concerted efforts, the perpetrator was apprehended, and arrangements were made for the survivors’ financial support upon their return home. Sofia emphasizes the pivotal role of coalition meetings, fostering collaboration and solidarity among Women’s Rights Activists (WRAs) and Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) in Mogadishu.

“Through these meetings, we’ve built strong relationships,” she explains. “Now, when we need legal support, protection, or financial assistance for Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors, we know whom to turn to. This collaboration was nonexistent before.”

This story is a testament to the resilience of women and the transformative impact of solidarity in the pursuit of gender justice.

Spotlighting the Impact of the Gender Equality Network in South Kordofan

We are thrilled to showcase the incredible efforts of the Gender Equality Network (GEN) in South Kordofan, Sudan dedicated to empowering women and addressing their diverse needs. Through a series of impactful trainings focused on

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.

Recognizing the pivotal role of legal knowledge and economic 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 Organization for Women, and political party networks have amplified GEN’s impact, extending crucial support to women involved in political spheres. These partnerships have further strengthened the GEN’s mission of promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment across diverse sectors of society.

LEGAL TRIUMPH AND JUSTICE SERVED FOR NURIA

In 2002 Ethiopia Calendar (EC), Nuria Mohammed (name changed), a 38-yearold resident of Dese in Ethiopia, married her husband Zeinu Kedir (name changed) in Saudi Arabia, where they were residing at the time.

Their union was arranged by elders in Addis Ababa, as per their religious customs, and the ceremony took place in Saudi Arabia. After spending most of their time in Saudi, they planned to return to Ethiopia, with Zeinu relocating first, while Nuria was to join him after giving birth to their son.

To Nuria’s shock and dismay, upon her arrival in Ethiopia, she discovered that her husband had married another woman and outrightly denied the children they had together. Adding insult to injury, he refused to acknowledge the wealth she had painstakingly earned during their time in Saudi Arabia.

In November 2013 EC, Nuria sought assistance from the Dese Voluntary Committee of the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA). In the ensuing legal battle, her husband persistently denied her status as his wife and rejected any paternity claims.

After a protracted legal process, the court ruled in Nuria’s favor, acknowledging her as Zeinu’s wife and granting her a share of their property.

The court ordered Zeinu to pay 1,200 Ethiopian Birr (EB) monthly for child maintenance and 1,200,000 EB from the market share company. Nuria expressed her profound gratitude to the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association, through the We Cannot Wait Project for their invaluable legal assistance and solidarity, without which this victory would have been unattainable.

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

Zahara’s Quest for Gender Justice

Meet Zahara Ahmed, a 27-year-old dedicated advocate for gender equality who embarked on her journey by championing against gender-based violence in her community. Driven by her passion, Zahara immersed herself in understanding policies, laws, and societal norms that either hinder or promote gender equality. Over the past two and a half years, she witnessed the transformative impact of the NAGAAD Network’s initiatives in Mogadishu, sparking her interest in joining the ‘We Cannot Wait’ women’s coalition. She describes it as an inspiring experience witnessing the groundwork laid by Women’s Rights Organizations in lobbying and advocating for change for Somali women.

Zahara’s journey has been enriched by opportunities to broaden her network through travel and participation in events such as the Gender in Islam Training in Ethiopia and the WCW Regional Gender Forum in Uganda. These experiences have not only enabled her to connect

with women from diverse backgrounds but also provided a platform for sharing invaluable experiences.

As a member of the NAGAAD Network, Zahara has engaged with various stakeholders, including political leaders, media houses, and women and youth leaders. These interactions have profoundly influenced her perspective and contributed to her role in serving her community.

Additionally, through participation in training organized by We Cannot Wait women’s rights-based affiliated organizations, Zahara has gained skills in gender budgeting, women’s rights advocacy, and public campaigning. The latter, in particular, has been instrumental in shifting her mindset and enhancing her capacity to serve her clients and community effectively.

She expresses gratitude to the We Cannot Wait project, through the NAGAAD Network, for providing a platform for

women to meaningfully engage in political and social issues, and speak with one voice to address gender disparities in Somalia.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO SAFE WATER IN LUTOUL VILLAGE

Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right necessary for a quality life. However, in the small village of Lutoul, located in Gulu city, Uganda, the community were grappling with water scarcity between December 2022 and October 2023.

The limited available water source posed challenges for both humans and animals, who shared from the same deteriorating well.

Recognizing the pressing need for action, Women’s Rights Activists (WRAs) Laker Jacky and Irene Lillian, members of the Pakwelo-Unyama, raised concerns within the We Cannot Wait Coalition about the community’s struggles due to inadequate access to safe water. The coalition swiftly acknowledged the urgency of the situation and agreed to take immediate, collective action.

In collaboration with local leaders, the activists engaged the Mayor of Laroo Division, who pledged to prioritize the issue in the 2023 budget. The Mayor, deeply committed to the cause, leveraged his position to advocate for support from other networks and partners.

Responding to the urgent need, the Catholic Church, through their organization “A Drop in the Bucket,” stepped up and took on the project. In November 2023, they successfully constructed a borehole in Lutoul Village, providing a sustainable solution to the water scarcity issue.

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

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 a new role as the leader of the Health Committee for Health Center (HC) II Nyangatir, which had recently been upgraded to HC III. With the addition of a maternity ward, the need for reliable water became paramount, since this directly impacted the quality of health care that was being provided to patients. The shortage compelled health workers and patients alike to rely on neighboring households for water.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Ms. Santa, alongside CP Susan Akello and Women Rights Activists (WRAs) Zola Apio, convened a meeting with the Area Councilor and Town Clerk to address the issue. A potential water source near the hospital was identified, but the landowner demanded compensation for access. Through persistent negotiations

involving the landowner, hospital management, and WRAs, the district approved a supplementary budget to acquire the land housing the vital water source. This acquisition led to the installation of a water pump and solarpowered system, significantly enhancing services at Nyangatir Health Center.

Furthermore, the WRAs identified additional challenges, such as the narrow entryway to the maternity ward and the absence of a ramp for wheelchair and hospital bed accessibility, particularly for expectant mothers with mobility issues.

In October 2023, the hospital committee secured resources to successfully construct a ramp and expand the entrance, vastly improving service accessibility at the Health Center. This transformational impact would not have been possible without the support of the We Cannot Wait project. Since its inception, the project has provided platforms for women activists to network, forge meaningful partnerships, and receive training that has empowered them to assume leadership roles in the district..

BREAKING BARRIERS IN MALE DOMINATED FIELDS

Rita Peter, supported by financial assistance from the SIHA Network under the We Cannot Wait Project, recently completed a one-year vocational training program in Building and Construction at Saint Vincent Vocational School in South Sudan.

Expressing her gratitude to the SIHA Network for providing her with this opportunity, Rita emphasized the significance of these skills in enabling her to secure employment despite the field being predominantly male. She firmly believes that her training will open doors 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 market, Rita appeals to the SIHA Network and other We Cannot Wait Coalition Members in South Sudan for support in connecting her with various networks, that will allow her to fully utilize her skills and expertise.

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

PARTNER UPDATES

EMPOWERING WOMEN PEACE ACTIVISTS TO ENGAGE IN PEACE NEGOTIATIONS & ADVOCATE FOR GENDER JUSTICE IN ETHIOPIA

Acknowledging the dedication of grassroots women’s rights activists to the women’s rights movement, a

capacity-building training was conducted on conflict prevention, resolution, peacebuilding, and post-conflict

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 peace activists who participated in the event.

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

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

Africa, Ghana, the Gambia, Cameroon, South Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. Tailored sessions delved into countryspecific contexts, encountered barriers, available opportunities, and ongoing family law reforms. Additionally, participants deliberated on leveraging regional and international instruments for national advocacy efforts.

The consultation revealed critical challenges, including inadequate implementation of legislation safeguarding women and girls’ rights,

underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions, pending legislation, lack of political will, stakeholder opposition, limited access to information and legal services for marginalized groups, and discriminatory laws.

However, amidst these challenges, the consultation yielded resolutions aimed at fostering positive change. Participants committed to utilizing regional instruments for national advocacy, continuous community awareness

campaigns on the importance of family law, exchanging insights and lessons learned from diverse jurisdictions, engaging with religious institutions to facilitate reform dialogues, and enhancing regional collaboration to amplify voices in pursuit of meaningful reforms.

The collaboration and strategic advocacy efforts fostered during the consultation aim to overcome obstacles and establish a fairer legal framework for families continent-wide.

WE CANNOT WAIT CONSORTIUM AT #CSW68

The We Cannot Wait Consortium was well-represented by SIHA Network and FIDA Uganda at the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), held from March 11th to 22nd, 2023, in New York. Two side events were convened, shedding light on critical issues affecting women’s empowerment in Sudan and the broader Horn of Africa region.

The inaugural event delved into the fundamental causes that contribute

to the systematic impoverishment of women in Sudan, as well as the impacts of post-conflict policies on women’s wealth generation.

The second panel explored legal frameworks governing family laws on succession, inheritance, marriage, and divorce in the Horn of Africa, and how this significantly affects women’s economic empowerment over generations.

The recordings are now available on YouTube

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.

Helping Find Sudan's Missing Women and Girls

#BringSudanMissingGirlsAndWomenBack

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 #

are 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.

Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Af rica