The #SudanUprising Is Being Led by Strong Women and These Videos are Proof
Viral photos and videos of Sudanese women leading protests are being called "iconic."
Nationwide protests continue in Sudan, as demonstrators continue to call on President Omar al-Bashir, who's been in power for 30 years, to step down.
Demonstrators have spent thee nights camped outside of military headquarters in the capital of Khartoum, according to a report from BBC Africa. They were subject to attacks from National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) with "tear-gas and live bullets" being dispersed to break up protestors. There have also been reports of army soldiers stepping in to help demonstrators and shield them from NISS aggression.
Seven protesters have been killed and 15 injured while 42 members of the security forces have been injured, says the country's interior minister, Bishara Jumaa. Adding that almost 2,500 people have been arrested. According to Al Jazeera, two soldiers have been killed by security forces admits the unrest.
READ: How Sudanese Art Is Fueling the Revolution
Photos and videos from the protests have gone viral, and many are drawing inspiration from the people of Sudan for their persistence and determination in seeking change. One picture in particular, taken by Lana H. Haroun, shows a woman, who Buzzfeed News has identified as 22-year-old student Alaa Salah, standing on the roof of a car and leading fellow protestors in chanting "revolution." The image has been shared widely and is being called "iconic."
Interfaith educator Hind Makki, broke down the imagery and the symbolism behind Salah's garments in a thread shared on Twitter. "She's wearing a white tobe (outer garment) and gold moon earrings," wrote Makki. "The white tobe is worn by working women in offices and can be linked w/cotton (a major export of Sudan), so it represents women working as professionals in cities or in the agricultural sector in rural areas."
She also shared the historical significance of women-led protest in Sudan. "Sudanese everywhere are referring to female protestors as 'Kandaka,' which is the title given to the Nubian queens of ancient Sudan whose gift to their descendants is a legacy of empowered women who fight hard for their country and their rights."
The viral photos and videos have sparked a conversation online about how women have remained on the frontlines of revolution, both now and throughout history.
