Africa: Renegotiating Patriarchy – Women’s Assets and Shifting Gender Roles During the Sudan War
The ongoing Sudan War has reshaped social, economic, and political dynamics, particularly for women, as explored in a collaborative research series by Sudanese scholars, many of whom are displaced themselves. This study, conducted by the Center for Economic, Legal, and Social Studies and Documentation (CEDEJ-Khartoum), Sudan-Norway Academic Cooperation (SNAC), and African Arguments – Debating Ideas, examines how war and displacement are transforming gender roles, asset ownership, and women’s agency, with a focus on Sudanese refugees in Uganda’s Kiryandongo camp.War as a Catalyst for ChangeThe conflict in Sudan has disrupted traditional gender norms, historically rooted in patriarchal structures reinforced by religious and societal authority. Pre-war Sudan saw stark economic disparities, with women largely confined to domestic roles and excluded from asset accumulation. However, the war’s economic and security challenges have forced a reconfiguration of these norms, creating new opportunities for women’s economic and social empowerment.In Kiryandongo, women like Noda and Musana, both university graduates, exemplify this shift. Previously dependent and sidelined in family decisions, they now serve as primary breadwinners, navigating male-dominated spaces such as public markets and border crossings. These changes, driven by necessity, highlight women’s resilience and adaptability, but their sustainability post-conflict remains uncertain.Economic Agency and Asset MobilityWar has redefined women’s roles from caregivers to key economic providers. In refugee camps, women dominate small-scale market activities, selling goods like baked items, perfumes, and tea. This economic participation is bolstered by asset mobility—encompassing not only financial resources like cash and remittances but also social and cultural capital. Women’s ability to manage and allocate these assets has positioned them as decision-makers, enhancing their resilience and influence within their communities.This shift creates a reinforcing cycle: as women gain economic power, they expand their networks and access to resources, further strengthening their agency. However, the fragility of these gains is a concern, as post-conflict periods often see a reversion to traditional gender roles unless supported by broader ideological changes.Challenges and OpportunitiesThe war has introduced significant challenges, including widespread sexual violence, prompting families to prioritize women’s safety and mobility. Women’s economic contributions, such as sending remittances or facilitating family resettlement, have become vital for survival, redefining their roles as essential providers. These adaptations challenge patriarchal norms and open pathways for empowerment, though they remain fraught with obstacles.A Fragile Future?While the war has enabled women to assume new roles, the sustainability of these changes depends on whether societal attitudes evolve to value women’s contributions. Without ideological transformation, post-conflict recovery risks reinforcing patriarchal norms, potentially reversing progress toward gender equality.In Kiryandongo, Sudanese women are leveraging asset transfers and social networks to build resilient communities. Their stories underscore the potential for crisis-driven change to foster a more equitable future, provided these shifts are nurtured beyond the conflict.About the SeriesPublished under African Arguments – Debating Ideas, this research reflects the ethos of the African Arguments book series, hosted by the International African Institute at SOAS University of London. It amplifies engaged scholarship and activist perspectives from Africa and beyond, fostering debate on critical social, economic, and political issues.