Sudan is a diverse country that has great cities and areas of rural

tribes. The roles of men and women differ in each of these settings. The way
that women are treated in Sudan is very different from how women are
treated in the United States. The culture is vastly different so the way things
get done in Sudan is very different than how they would get done here. Over
time things have changed in Sudan. The annex of the South has changed the
gender stereotypes and their way of life differs than of the North.
Southern Sudan has more tribal roots than the rest of Sudan. There is
over 550 tribes in Sudan, each with their own different cultures and
practices. Women have a much different role in these tribes than they would
in other areas of Sudan. Women in these tribes are treated as second-class
citizens. They are not given many choices in their daily life, and these tribes
still depend on the dowry system (Kuany). The dowry system is really just a
way for these families to profit off of these women. Women can legally be
married off at the age of 10. They are given no choice in the matter and are
treated as a commodity. These women are not given the opportunity to get
educated, they were taught to be wives and mothers. Religion is also a big
oppression for women in this country. A poll from different gender experts
ranked that Sudan was 17 out of 22 for womens rights (Dabanga). The
different laws that Sudan has are made to target women. For example, there
is a code that justifies flogging ad arresting women for the way they dress.
In addition to that, women who are raped do not report it for fear of being
tried with adultery (Dabanga). These laws make it impossible to feel safe and
involved in the society. Women are disregarded in general, given no chance
to thrive.
With the civil war in Sudan, many women and families were misplaced.
Due to the tragedies, women were then for the first time given the
opportunity to run their own household and be their own leader. Many
families fled to other countries and were then being given a voice. They were
being a part of making the decisions with their family. Not only were these
women viewed as valuable additions to society, there were given a platform
to make change. In 2012, women came together to put on workshops about
cultures and diversity in Sudan (U.S. Aid). These workshops helped these
young women help form their own identify and began being a change maker
in that society.
Though Sudan is far from perfect, the amount of change the country
has faced in the past few years of amazing. Women went from being treated
as second-class citizens to having a voice. It is unfortunate that different
cultures around he world treat women differently than men, but it is
something that is being worked on. It is devastating to read about the
heartbreak and oppression these women face. The only Sudan can do is
continue to make changes.

Citations
Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. (2015, November 19). Retrieved
September 22, 2016, from https://www.usaid.gov/sudan/gender-equality-and-womensempowerment
Sudan One of Worst Countries for Women's Rights. (2013, November 13). Retrieved
September 22, 2016, from https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/sudan-one-ofworst-countries-for-women-s-rights-survey
Truany, M. (2010, May 10). Role of Women in Development of Southern Sudan.
Retrieved September 22, 2016, from
http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3612/Women
-and-CultureRole-of-Women-in-Development-of-Southern-Sudan.aspx