JULY – SEPTEMBER 2025

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER EDITION
Dear Reader,

The last quarter of the year once again showcased the resilience and bold leadership of women across the Greater Horn of Africa. From grassroots organizing to influencing regional and international platforms, these women pushed formidable boundaries to champion their rights and advance gender justice, even in the face of conflict and entrenched systemic barriers.

At SIHA Network, we remain deeply honoured to walk alongside them by amplifying their voices and advocating for the recognition they so powerfully deserve.

We hope you find inspiration in this Newsletter Edition.

— The SIHA Network Team

CHAMPIONING WOMEN'S RIGHTS AT
REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL POLICY FORA
?The 60th Session of the Human Rights Council 
At #HRC60, SIHA and Amnesty co-hosted “Justice Through Her Eyes,” a side event, which urged a two-year extension of the Sudan Fact-Finding Mission to secure justice for Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) victims and survivors. The event spotlighted escalating sexual violence and the need for survivor-centred health and psychosocial support. Our oral statement pressed for accountability mechanisms (including ICC referral/Special Tribunal), stronger society engagement, protection of women’s rights defenders, and unhindered humanitarian and SRH access to curb impunity and save lives. Read the full statement here

?The United Nations General Assembly 
SIHA raised the alarm on the resourcing crisis facing women’s rights organizations during a high-level #UNGA dialogue with Fundación FEIM and Association HDA. On the panel “Addressing the Resourcing Crisis…,” our Regional Director called for long-term, flexible funding to sustain WROs’ work on rights protection, gender justice, and ending VAWG. SIHA also reaffirmed its commitment to solidarity, advocacy, and collective action to amplify women’s voices.

?Annual Retreat for Special Envoys & High Representatives of Regional Economic Communities 
From September 14–16 in Dakar, we participated in the Fourth Annual Retreat for Special Envoys and High Representatives of Regional Economic Communities, convened by International IDEA Africa and partners under the theme “Changing Global Dynamics and the Future of Regional Mediation towards Peace and Constitutional and Democratic Governance in Africa.” The retreat fostered dialogue, collaboration, and strategies to strengthen democracy, inclusive governance, and sustainable peace across Africa. Our Regional Director, Hala Al-Kabir, pushed forward an inclusive, gender-responsive governance and peace agenda rooted in women’s rights.

? Public Reading of the African Union Convention on Ending VAW/G
Additionally, we joined a public reading in Johannesburg that examined the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG) as a binding instrument. We spotlighted Article 7 on violence in conflict, transitional justice, post-conflict, and post-disaster settings; identifying weak language, no explicit Conflct Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) reference, and omissions of UNSCR 1325 and AU guidelines. In light of this, we, alongside our partners, proposed amendments and issued a continent-wide call to strengthen enforcement and gender-responsive implementation.

? ECOSOC Continental Workshop 
At the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOC) Continental Workshop, our Regional Programme Manager Dr. Faizat Badmus-Busari presented on barriers to women’s full participation in the workforce, underscoring how contributions from boardrooms to markets and quarries are undervalued and underprotected. She also shared SIHA’s evidence from Uganda’s Market Women Vendors and Sudan’s women crushing stones, highlighting risks, harassment, and exclusion from finance and protections. The event advanced commitments to gender-responsive labour policies, safety, and social protection.

? High-level Side Event at the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum
On 22 July 2025, SIHA joined a high-level UN side event in New York on ending VAWG as key to achieving the SDGs. We highlighted cross-sector collaboration in fragile settings, drawing from our work in the Horn of Africa. The event also amplified calls for stronger prevention, survivor-centered services, and sustainable funding for grassroots women’s movements.

? IMatter Workshop: Shaping the Future of Global South Feminist Funding
SIHA helped shape the IMatter Workshop: Shaping the Future of Global South Feminist Funding, which tackled shrinking resources, rigid funding, and crisis-driven demands, surfacing best practices and alternative models. Participants agreed on concrete next steps - piloting new funding approaches, simplifying access, and deepening alliances with feminist networks and donors to strengthen women’s rights organisations’ resilience and sustain transformative, women-centred change.

Representatives from the SIHA Network and Amnesty International speaking during the “Justice Through Her Eyes” side event at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council
ENHANCING THE CAPACITY OF GRASSROOTS
FEMINIST MOVEMENTS IN THE HORN OF AFRICA
In collaboration with our development partners and members, we organized regional learning forums that strengthened our dedication to advancing women’s and girls’ rights and fostering resilient, justice-driven feminist movements across the Greater Horn of Africa.

? Regional Learning Exchange for Women Market and Street Vendors
SIHA Network’s Regional Learning Exchange united 50+ participants from across the Greater Horn of Africa to strengthen cross-border solidarity and advocate for safer working conditions for women market and street vendors. Participants issued a joint press statement demanding infrastructure, access to justice, and financial support. Additionally, a research report highlighting working conditions and urging structural reforms in the markets was launched.

? Regional Gender Forum on Strengthening Legal Action on Women's Rights
Together with FIDA Uganda, we convened a Regional Gender Forum in Kampala-Uganda under the theme,“Justice Beyond Borders” to advance women’s rights across the region. Participants, including legal practitioners, government representatives, civil society leaders, and women's rights activists, held discussions that focused on advancing the Maputo Protocol, identifying legal reform priorities, strengthening regional feminist coalitions, and engaging African Human Rights mechanisms to promote women’s rights. Read more here

Participants gathered for a group photo during the Regional Learning Exchange event in Kampala 
LATEST UPDATES FROM OUR  IN-COUNTRY  
INTERVENTIONS ACROSS THE REGION
ETHIOPIA 
Digital Literacy and Safety Training
From August 26–28, 2025, SIHA held a three-day Digital Literacy and Safety Training in Addis Ababa for its members, aimed at strengthening safe digital navigation in high-risk advocacy contexts. Through participatory sessions including presentations, hands-on exercises, and real-life scenarios, participants explored cyber threats and technology-facilitated Gender Based Violence, shared protection strategies, and gained practical tools and confidence to safeguard themselves, their organisations, and communities while engaging in digital advocacy.

Strengthening GBV Response through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
As part of a campaign to combat GBV, SIHA Network, Article 35, and Addis Powerhouse held two high-level consultations in Ethiopia, uniting religious leaders, civil society, legal, and state actors. Commitments included faith-based prevention, survivor-centered justice, and advancing anti-GBV policies through coordinated action.

Religious, civil society, legal, and state representatives during the Gender-Based Violence Stakeholder Consultation in Addis Ababa
SOMALIA & SOMALILAND
Consultative Meeting on Law Reform and SGBV/FGM Advocacy 
To examine constitutional reforms affecting women and girls, SIHA Network, with GIZ and the Ministry of Human Rights, convened a consultative meeting in Mogadishu (14 Sept 2025). Women’s rights groups, legal experts, youth, and civil society assessed impacts on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), shared grassroots experiences, and debated survivor protection, accountability, and livelihoods. Outcomes included: consensus on priorities and a roadmap for joint advocacy ahead of a high-level government roundtable.

Feminist Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Training Workshop
A three-day workshop held in Hargeisa from July 15–17, 2025, equipped women’s rights organizations from Somaliland, Djibouti, Puntland, Southwest, and Banadir with practical Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) tools. Organized by SIHA Network, the training strengthened participants’ capacity to apply feminist MEL approaches, including Theory of Change and the Most Significant Change (MSC) methodology.

Enhancing Women’s Political Participation
Bi-monthly meetings in Mogadishu, Garoowe, and Hargeisa brought together 30 women leaders to strategize on advancing women’s political participation. Held between July and August 2025 by SIHA Network, the sessions fostered solidarity, celebrated new appointments, and produced joint statements advocating for 30% women’s representation in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) administration.

Additionally, on August 18, 2025, SIHA hosted the #SheChampionsPeace Advocacy Event in Hargeisa, gathering 100+ participants to present the Women’s Political Manifesto. The event called for a 30% women’s quota in governance, challenged cultural resistance, and sparked advocacy, with media amplification boosting momentum for inclusive political representation across the region.

A session from the #SheChampionsPeace Advocacy Event  in Hargeisa, where panelists discussed the Women’s Political Manifesto, and pushed for a 30% quota representation of women in governance and leadership
SOUTH SUDAN 
Policy Advocacy Visit to the South Sudan Parliament 
To advance gender-responsive legislation and protection for women and girls, SIHA’s delegation met South Sudan’s Parliament on 10 Sept 2025 to discuss key challenges facing women and girls, including gender-based violence, early marriage, and limited access to education and healthcare. The visit pressed for legislative reforms and stronger implementation of existing laws, securing commitments for follow-up engagements and support for measures to improve protection, service access, and accountability nationwide.

Deepening Advocacy for Family Law Reform
To enhance understanding of Islamic feminist principles and strengthen advocacy, a hybrid training in Juba applied these principles to the Family Law Bill, addressing child marriage, VAW, and women’s economic rights. Muslim community members, leaders, lawyers and coalitions exchanged best practices, built consensus on reforms, and left with actionable strategies. Result: reinforced, coordinated advocacy to align the Bill and social norms with gender equality and women’s rights.

Improving Menstrual Health for Displaced Women & Girls
On July 31, 2025, SIHA distributed dignity kits to 40 adolescent girls in Mangateen IDP Camp, Juba. Following menstrual health sessions, the kits supported safer menstrual management, improved school attendance, and empowered girls to manage their periods with greater confidence and dignity.

Strengthening GBV Response & Prevention
We convened a two-day Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response and prevention service mapping workshop in Wau with state and non-state actors. A shared referral pathway was developed, improving coordination and access to GBV survivor-centred care across Wau, Jur River, and Raja in Western Bahr el Ghazal.

Awareness Session on the Maputo Protocol
Additionally, we conducted an awareness session on the Maputo Protocol at Mangateen IDP Camp in Juba, engaging 50+ participants. The session simplified the protocol’s content to make it accessible to women and girls, increasing awareness of their legal rights and sparking dialogue on gender equality.

Advocacy Strategy Workshop
Bringing together 30 passionate advocates from across South Sudan, a two-day strategic planning workshop in Juba empowered Civil Society Organizations, women-led groups, and SIHA members. Guided by an expert facilitator, the session enhanced participants’ long-term and sustainability planning to strengthen and scale their advocacy.

Adolescent Girls Empowered to Rally Against Rape & Forced Marriage
Five adolescent girls trained in leadership led a community awareness event at Mangateen IDP Camp, Juba, with 55 participants, including parents, community leaders, and youth. The session empowered attendees to protect children and report cases of rape and child/forced marriage, while emphasizing the dangers of these practices and the importance of girls’ education. Personal testimonies reinforced the rejection of forced marriage and highlighted the long-term benefits of schooling.

Beneficiaries of the Menstrual Hygiene Campaign at Naivasha IDP Camp holding dignity kits
SUDAN 
Strengthening Community Peace through Women’s Leadership 
On 4 September 2025, a civil society dialogue in Al-Damazin promoted community peace by recognizing women’s leadership. Diverse stakeholders, including feminist groups, youth, state officials, traditional authorities, and disability representatives, assessed social cohesion, identified advocacy priorities, and committed to inclusive, collective action to rebuild and sustain the Country’s social fabric.

Enhancing Women's Economic Empowerment
In Blue Nile State, SIHA Network and Kafa for Development – Kassala conducted livelihood trainings in Al-Noor and Baryai, focusing on bread and pastry production as well as soap-making. The sessions strengthened women’s technical and entrepreneurial skills by supporting small business creation and enhancing the participants' economic self-reliance and livelihoods.

Additionally, in Blue Nile, SIHA and Al-Tawaki supported women with poultry packages to boost income and home-based food security.

Legal Aid and Action Against Child Marriage
Three legal aid campaigns in Gedaref (at Salamat Al-Bay, Geneina, and Al-Tadamun centers) provided legal support to women and launched advocacy against child marriage. Led by SIHA in July 2025, the initiative mobilized communities, called for the criminalization of child marriage, and raised awareness to strengthen legal protections for girls.

Refresher Training on Gender Budgeting and Financial Management
A virtual refresher training on gender budgeting and financial management equipped Gender Equality Networks (GENs) in Sudan with tools to navigate funding challenges in the absence of formal state budgeting. Furthermore, the session strengthened skills in grant management, financial accountability, and sustainability, enabling more effective use of resources to support gender equity advocacy efforts.
 

Transformative Justice Convening
From August 10–12, 2025, SIHA Network hosted the Justice Through Her Eyes roundtable in Kampala, bringing together 40 Sudanese women leaders, including activists, lawyers, service providers, and refugees. Using a feminist, survivor-centered lens, participants shared experiences, examined justice frameworks, and co-created advocacy priorities to advance inclusive, transformative justice and accountability for Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict.

Strengthening Service Providers’ Capacity to Address Mental Health & Trauma
A capacity-building training on mental health and trauma care was conducted in Kampala to equip Sudanese social workers and therapists with competencies in trauma-informed care, survivor support, and clinician self-care. Held between August 8–10, the program included a Training of Trainers (ToT) that strengthened participants’ expertise in assisting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and the broader impacts of the war.

Women Entrepreneurs Convened in Al-Obeid for Economic Resilience
On July 11, 2025, SIHA Network and the Gender Equality Network–North Kordofan convened an economic forum in Al-Obeid for women small business owners. The forum addressed wartime disruptions to commerce, enabled experience-sharing, and surfaced practical strategies to sustain incomes, strengthen resilience, and keep opportunities open, fostering hope and collective empowerment locally.

Annual National Meeting in Kassala Sets Priorities for Women’s Rights
Defying the current conflict, the Annual National Meeting of Gender Equality Networks in Kassala gathered women activists and community leaders with the support of SIHA Network. Participants set strategies to advance women’s rights and leadership and issued a briefing on insecurity, sexual violence, failing health services, declining girls’ education, and displacement, with recommendations for advocacy, legal reform, and restoring services.

Participants of the Justice Through Her Eyes roundtable in Kampala gathered for a group photo that captured a moment of shared commitment to advancing gender justice and women’s rights in Sudan
UGANDA
Consultations in Arua Advance Women’s Voices in Market Governance
SIHA Network held eight market consultations in Arua (Sept 4–16, 2025), bringing women vendors and duty bearers together. Participants discussed advocacy achievements, challenges, and actionable solutions to improve market security, accessibility, and services, fostering collaboration, accountability, and collective action to advance women’s empowerment and inclusive market governance.

Reflection Meeting with Frontline Workers 
On September 19, 2025, SIHA Network held a reflection meeting with 25 frontline workers, notably lawyers, case workers, paralegals, and women human rights defenders. Participants reviewed roles, shared experiences from market protection desks, exchanged best practices, and explored strategies to strengthen case referral and protection, fostering collaboration, accountability, and capacity to safeguard women’s rights in markets.

Training on Human Rights Advocacy for Sudanese Refugee Girls  
SIHA, in partnership with Legal Action Worldwide, delivered legal training on human rights, gender equality, and advocacy to Sudanese refugee girls in Uganda, alongside vital mental health support. The activity enhanced legal literacy and resilience, and empowered participants to become active agents of change in their host communities.

Capacity Building Session on MEAL Systems & Practices for WROs
Three days of hands-on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) built practical skills for 30 Ugandan women's rights organizations (WROs) in developing results chains, defining outputs and outcomes, creating indicators, and measuring change. Through practical exercises and real-world case studies, participants had their ability strengthened in designing and managing MEAL frameworks, documenting impact, ensuring accountability, and advancing advocacy for women’s rights and social justice.

Training of Trainers for Women Market Vendors
A safety-focused Training of Trainers (ToT) empowered 300 women market vendors in Arua City to protect themselves and peers from all forms of violence, and document risks to vendors and Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs), including harassment and weak institutional support. Using the newly acquired skills, the participants created cooperative risk registers and designed advocacy initiatives. Led by SIHA Network, the ToT embedded safety practices, strengthening resilience and accountability in markets.

Sudanese refugee girls participate in an awareness session on human rights, gender equality, and advocacy, building their resilience and capacity to lead change in their communities

HARNESSING INTERNATIONAL DAY
COMMEMORATIONS TO ADVANCE WOMEN & GIRLS' RIGHTS 
On September 21, 2025, in commemoration of the International Day of Peace, we called for safety and dignity for every woman and girl across the Horn of Africa and reaffirmed our commitment to oppose war and injustice. Read more

In Terekeka County, South Sudan, we supported seven young women leaders to present their peace statement to the Under Secretary of Peace Building, showcasing their role in peacebuilding and providing a platform to engage the government and the community, reinforcing leadership and advocacy for sustainable peace.

In Ethiopia, a two-hour consultation marked International Day of Peace, gathering 30 participants from women’s rights organizations using our Feminist Training of Trainers Manual to reflect on women's peacebuilding roles, ambitions for transformative engagement, community and national challenges, as well as intergenerational collaboration on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda.

The seven young women leaders from Terekeka County, South Sudan presenting their statement on the role of young women in peacebuilding processes

MEDIA CORNER 
At the heart of our recent evidence-based storytelling was the release of the documentary, “Giving Birth Under Bombardment,” which sheds light on the harsh realities faced by Sudanese women giving birth amid war and displacement. The full documentary is available at the link below.

Additionally, across leading outlets, i.e., The Dutch Daily Newspaper, The New Humanitarian, The Guardian, and Fair Play Talks, our Regional Director, Hala Al-Karib, elevated frontline realities from Sudan and the Greater Horn of Africa region, pairing evidence with clear calls to action. Read the detailed articles via the links below.
As violence against women rises in Sudan, frontline groups need urgent support
They slaughtered us like animals’: the inside story of how one of the biggest atrocities of the Sudan war unfolded in Zamzam
Half of Women’s Organisations in Crisis Zones Face Closure Amid Global Funding Shortfalls
How sexual violence in Sudan continues quietly. 'The world has no excuse for looking the other way.'

Our work was also featured in other media, i.e.,
Dabanga Sudan, which highlighted our regional webinar on conflict-related sexual violence and urgent action for survivors. The full article is available here
256BusinessNews, which featured our Kampala forum, where women vendors demanded recognition and better working conditions. Read the full article here
The Independent Uganda, which reported on our work with women market and street vendors in Arua, demanded protection and economic justice. Click here for the full story
WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTS
With region-wide participation, SIHA hosted four (4) webinars that convened women human rights defenders and policymakers to confront systemic violence against women and girls. Missed a session? Catch up via the recordings below:

Confronting the Systemic Drivers of Femicide in the Greater Horn of Africa & Strategizing for Accountability, Prevention and Response 
Uncut Truths: Unpacking the Persistence of FGM/C in the GHoA Region and the Path to Eradication
Unseen Wounds: Confronting the Devastating Toll of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on Women & Girls in the GHoA 
Breaking the Cycle: Early Marriage, Teenage Pregnancy & the Case for Public Awareness & Legal Reform
SEE WHAT'S NEW IN OUR LIBRARY

READ OUR LATEST ARTICLES, GENDER
ALERTS & PRESS STATEMENTS
SIHA Network Oral Statement at The 60th Session of the Human Rights Council
A Joint Appeal: Invest in Small Business Owners and Street Vendors for a Prosperous South Sudan
From Catcalling to Femicide: A New Year’s Call for Justice to Protect Women’s Rights in Ethiopia
A Lonely Road: Standing Up to Sexual Violence in Sudan 
We stand firm against the enforced disappearance, torture, and mass killing of women and children in North Darfur  
The struggles and resilience of a Sudanese woman in the conflict: Laila’s story 
Joint Statement: It’s Not Too Late－Women Call for a Seat in SSC-Khatumo’s Future 
Joint Statement: SIHA, Together with 96 Other Civil Society Organizations, Urgently Appeal for a 2 Year Extension on the Mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan 
Inputs on the General Comment of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances on “Women, Girls and Enforced Disappearances” 
Press Statement: Unsafe and Unheard: Women Market Vendors Demand Social Protection and Economic Justice 
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

We are thrilled to shine a light on Integrated Child Service Consult (ICSC), a remarkable women-led organization at the forefront of advancing women’s and children’s rights in Arua City, Uganda. ICSC is dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces where women, children, and youth can fully enjoy their rights with dignity. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, they champion the protection of vulnerable groups while driving sustainable development.

We commend ICSC for its outstanding dedication to empowering communities and driving inclusive growth, making it a valued member of the SIHA Network and a source of inspiration for many.

✨ Learn more about their impactful work here 
? Follow their journey on Facebook