Interview

Q: What sparked your journey into environmental activism, and how do you maintain your motivation despite the challenges you face?

A: As a first-year physics’ student, I believed science could change the world. A violent incident at my university, where regime loyalists attacked students, affirmed my belief. Regime loyalists came to our school and threw two students from a balcony, with one tragically passing away. This made me realise that scientists need to be decision-makers. During the following months, I researched science diplomacy, leading to topics like water and climate change. I then volunteered with a local organisation focused on these issues. I’ve been committed ever since.

Q: Can you share a success story highlighting the positive impact of women’s leadership in environmental conservation?

A: My success story started with a big failure. Our initial project plan, in a suburb of Khartoum, called Mayo, aimed to plant trees and create wall art. However, we discovered that our target area lacked water, and because of the water shortage, there were several school dropouts. Children spent hours searching for water and had little time to be in school. So another question arose: “How can we ask someone to irrigate a tree if they cannot easily find water to drink themselves?” We made calls here and there to talk about the problem. We eventually formed partnerships, and different organisations came to visit. Our initial project budget was USD 5,000. This small project grew into a USD 5 million initiative that addressed water and sanitation needs, built more schools, and significantly improved the community. Though the war halted our work, the partnerships and resources we gathered were a great success.

Q: How can women in Sudan contribute to building climate resilience in their communities, especially in areas affected by war and violence?

A: We conducted a study on the impact of the war on Sudan’s climate. The study revealed that the only way to avoid a famine catastrophe during this conflict is by building community resilience in relatively safe areas to continue agriculture. Women, often responsible for agriculture, are key to this resilience. They possess the indigenous knowledge necessary to sustain agriculture, which is crucial for preventing famine, where millions could die from hunger rather than bullets. Despite facing systematic rape and slavery during this war, women are still making significant contributions to their communities through agriculture and other activities.

Q: What are the main barriers preventing women from participating in environmental activism and climate change mitigation efforts in Sudan, and how can these barriers be addressed?

A: Women in Sudan often lead the way in activism, yet bureaucracy prevents them from holding higher positions. Few women head organisations despite the higher numbers of female volunteers. Cultural customs, lack of education, and inadequate women’s rights further hinder their participation. Addressing these issues requires systemic changes in both cultural attitudes and organisational structures. There needs to be greater awareness among households and communities about global environmental problems because these issues transcend borders. What happens in the USA can affect people in Sudan. Raising awareness will help women become active on a larger scale. Additionally, financially empowering women is crucial. If women cannot earn, they cannot make decisions. It’s that simple.

Q: How do you engage with local communities to raise awareness about environmental issues, and what strategies have proven most effective?

A: I start with a needs assessment to gauge the community’s knowledge. Local communities, especially in rural areas, often understand environmental problems intuitively and have their adaptation methods. Focusing on these local solutions and scaling them up has proven effective.

Q: What unique perspectives and skills do women bring to climate change activism and environmental conservation in Sudan?

A: Women in Sudan are deeply connected to nature through their daily responsibilities, such as fetching water, gathering wood, and managing household needs. For decades, they have excelled at inventing new methods for drying meat, preserving food, baking, and cooking more economically and efficiently to reduce the amount of wood and water needed. They have developed innovative, efficient methods for food preservation and resource use, which are crucial for sustainability. Their strong connection to nature enables them to find practical solutions to environmental problems.

Q: How has the conflict impacted your efforts to advocate for environmental conservation?

A: It has added complications and increased the workload but has not stopped our work.

Q: What are the current environmental initiatives or projects you are involved in?

A: At the national level, we are focusing on addressing the impact of the war, such as widespread tree-cutting for military operations and energy production. We are conducting needs assessments and research to identify safe areas for intervention. Globally, I am working to create a network for climate action in conflict-affected countries, providing resources and training to help these communities function better despite instability.

Q: You have expressed confidence that the global climate movement will succeed and yield positive results. What do you consider to be a successful outcome for this movement, particularly for Sudan?

A: The most significant success is the existence of the movement itself. For a long time, climate change was seen as an issue for elites or developed countries, but now there is a robust climate movement in Sudan. Even under dire circumstances like displacement and loss, people are still researching and working on climate issues. They are communicating with the international community and each other, keeping climate change at the top of their agenda. This persistence, despite their hardships, is the most significant success.

Q: What is your long-term vision for Sudan’s environment, and what steps are necessary to achieve it?

A: Sudan is rich in natural resources, and managing these resources effectively requires a holistic approach. This is my vision. My vision is tremendous, but due to the ongoing conflict, it feels more like a dream. I pray for peace daily so we can implement the strategies my fellow activists and I have envisioned for Sudan.

Q: What message do you have for the warring parties in Sudan regarding the war’s impact on the people and the environment?

A: The impact of this war on our people and the environment is devastating. Stop this war right now. The environmental cost is unbearable for everyone involved. The people and the government cannot afford it.

This article is part of The Niles Issue #19, The Feminine & The Nile, produced by Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) with financial support from the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). It is part of the initiative The Niles: Strengthening Media Capacities and Networks in the Nile Basin, supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA). The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of SIWI, GIZ, the German Federal Foreign Office, or MiCT.