I was born in Sudan, but I spent my childhood in Hadramout, Yemen. I loved learning from a young age. By 10, I was devouring books of literature and politics.

My father sent me back to Sudan when I was 11 to attend school. The situation for women in Sudan at the time was not as severe as Yemen. Nonetheless, it was very restrictive. I could see in society that there was no equality nor justice for girls.  

While my father was enlightened and encouraged my studies. My mother and family would make fun of me, calling me abnormal.

I felt a lot of pain when I saw women being oppressed and made to feel inferior here and in Yemen. Seeing the inhumane ways, they were being treated motivated me to want to create change.

In 1952, the Sudanese Women’s Union was formed – I was 21 and joined that same year. In 1965, I became part of the executive committee, connected with international women’s organizations and spoke abroad.”

I was delighted to see so many women at the forefront of the recent revolution. I knew women were oppressed and there was no equality, but I was astonished at how many women went out to protest.

Sudanese women are a revolutionary force. They are fierce fighters. I was so happy to see women leading the revolution. Now the revolution needs to be steered to help women and to carry on.