Sudanese Mothers for Peace - Chatham House, 23/07/09
Background
Sudanese Mothers for Peace ("SMP") was initially founded in 1987, when the civil war between the north and south of the country was at its height. It took on its current incarnation as a UK-registered international NGO in 1999, and now acts in tandem with its Sudanese national counterpart in working to reduce poverty and help women in the region.
Initially SMP was involved in researching the needs of Internally Displaced Persons ("IDP's") around Khartoum. However, the organisation soon came to the conclusion that there was little point expending money on projects which by definition would be temporary, and has instead turned its attention to work in the IDP's regions of origin. In particular, SMP is focussed on Kordofan, with which many of its members are familiar.
Issues in Kordofan
The issues faced by SMP in Kordofan are numerous. In addition to the presence of rival armed groups themselves, fighting has forced large numbers of IDP's into the region's towns. A lack of education for children means that many have become involved either with the militias or in criminal activity. Girls in particular are restricted in terms of prospects, and often marry very young. Furthermore, there are no modern medical centres, or centres for the distribution of food. The existing local clinic was built by the British colonial government before Sudanese independence, and lacks both medicine and specialist doctors appropriate to local needs.
Intentions
SMP sees great potential in the involvement of women as a concerted force for regional reconciliation as a result of their existing unofficial status as moral arbiters in their communities. To be effective in this regard however, it is necessary to educate women in their rights and responsibilities. SMP's objectives in this regard are not restricted to the Sudan - They also seek to promote reconciliation across the continent.
In order to further these multiple objectives, SMP intends to construct a multi-purpose centre for training and development in Kordofan. The Sudanese unitary government has responded favourably to these intentions, granting SMP ownership of approximately two hectares of land in the centre of the town of Lagawa. However, construction must commence on the land within six months or it may face repossession.
The development of the centre is intended to take place in three stages. Initially it is planned to construct a secure fence and guardhouse on the site, in order to secure SMP's ownership and form a basis for subsequent development. The cost of this first phase is estimated at £6-7,000, and in order to meet the six-month deadline it must commence in the next month and a half. Subsequently, it is intended build and equip a series of halls of traditional local design from which SMP can carry on its principal activities. Finally, a guesthouse and model farm are intended to ensure that the centre is both practically and economically self-sufficient, as well as encouraging links with like-minded groups both in the region and internationally.
