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Voices of Women Defenders in Sudan’s Transition

Welcome to the official website of the Voices of Women Defenders in Sudan’s Transition (VOWDST)—a vibrant grassroots feminist initiative dedicated to amplifying the voices of Sudanese women, advocating for gender justice, and ensuring women’s active and meaningful participation in Sudan’s political and transitional processes. Through storytelling, documentation, and collective advocacy, we connect defenders, survivors, and activists to build a stronger, more inclusive Sudan.

About Us

Voices of Women Defenders in Sudan’s Transition (VOWDST) is a nationwide feminist network established in 2022 by the Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI), supported by USAID/OTI through Chemonics International. Our initiative unites women human rights defenders, activists, and survivors from all regions and backgrounds of Sudan to collectively promote transitional justice, protect women’s rights, and advance gender equality in all spheres of life.

About Us

Our Vision

A just, peaceful, and inclusive Sudan where women and girls are equally represented, their voices are heard, and their rights are upheld—building a future free from discrimination and violence.

Our Mission

To empower Sudanese women and girls by providing platforms for storytelling, documentation, and collaborative advocacy that promote justice, peace, and gender equality during and beyond Sudan’s transitional period.

Our Core Values

Solidarity: Standing together with women defenders and survivors across Sudan.


Inclusion: Ensuring diverse voices from all communities and generations are represented.

Our Works

At Voices of Women Defenders in Sudan’s Transition (VOWDST), we work to amplify the voices of Sudanese womenand ensure their full participation in shaping Sudan’s future. Our work is rooted in feminist values, justice, and solidarity.

Storytelling & Documentation

We collect, preserve, and share the testimonies of women survivors and defenders to ensure their voices are heard in transitional justice processes.

Capacity Building & Networking

We connect women defenders, activists, and survivors across Sudan, strengthening their leadership and building a nationwide solidarity network.

Political Participation & Leadership

We support women’s active and meaningful involvement in peacebuilding, transitional governance, and decision-making spaces.

Projects

Our Initiatives & Projects

Writing the Unvoiced– National Workshop (Khartoum, 2023)

Held March 11–13, 2023, in Khartoum, this intensive workshop brought together 30 women activists, survivors, and defenders. It focused on the power of storytelling to document human rights violations, raise awareness about transitional justice, and provide participants with skills in narrative writing and advocacy.

Cultural-Political Forum(Khartoum, 2022

On August 13, 2022, at the Sobajo Center in Khartoum, this forum convened activists, feminists, cultural figures, and former transitional government members to discuss the challenges and opportunities in women’s political participation.

Commemoration of International Human Rights Day

The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI), in collaboration with VOWDST, hosted a special celebration to mark International Human Rights Day. The event brought together human rights defenders, civil society, media, and diplomatic missions including UK, Canada, and Switzerland.

Get involved

Empower Sudanese Women's Rights Now!

Join Voices of Women Defenders and support gender equality initiatives in Sudan's transition. Volunteer to empower women, advocate for change, and be part of a movement making a real difference.

News

Empowerment Hub

The Empowerment Hub is VOWDST’s interactive space for learning, sharing, and collective action. It serves as a central platform where women defenders, activists, and survivors

Access Resources

toolkits, guides, and publications on women’s rights, transitional justice, and advocacy.

Connect & Collaborate

join a nationwide network of women defenders and allies across Sudan.

Build Skills

through workshops, training programs, and mentorship opportunities.

Share Stories

amplify lived experiences through storytelling and documentation initiatives.

Contact

Reach Out to Us

Join us in championing women's rights in Sudan's transition. Your voice matters.