Gender, Organization, and Change in Sudan

Abstract

The position of women and role of gender in Sudan has been researched from anthropological, sociological and economic traditions. This study will review the position of Sudanese women within the formal employment sector, setting this within the specific political, economic and social context of the country. In addition, it will examine women in political and voluntary settings, as these are also important decision making arenas. There has been little published material previously on this topic. The study draws on secondary data from unpublished studies and master's dissertations, and also grey material available in Sudan. In addition, semi-structured interviewing of a purposive sample of selected informants was used. The data were analysed thematically. The findings were that many behavioural patterns seen elsewhere were evident in Sudan, such as stereotyping and discrimination. However, educated Sudanese women sought equality within a man's world, unlike the equal but different gender roles found by Metcalfe (2007) in parts of the Middle East.