May’s Darfur Heroes

Sisterhood for Peace: Transforming Sudan is a network of women working to end genocide in Darfur and facilitate peace for all of Sudan. Sisterhood for Peace is a diverse group of Sudanese and African American women working across cultural, political, regional, religious, and social divisions to stand as sisters. Each month these committed leaders and organizers meet in Boston to work together and gain strength from each other. They speak of healing and supporting grassroots voices for change. They envision a movement for change in Sudan led by Sudanese, African-American, and Muslim women.

Four decades of war and inequality have ravaged the different regions of Sudan. We have all heard stories of women and children victimized by violence, uprooted and displaced, and struggling to rebuild their lives. What we have not heard are stories of the every day courage and strength of grassroots organizers, of women’s leadership in Sudan, or of the women working around the world as sisters for peace. We need to share these stories and to create an environment where the strength of Sudanese women is recognized around the world.

Sisterhood for Peace shows that women crossing boundaries and acting together can create change. We are bringing women together across differences that have often fueled conflicts. Fifty Sudanese women came to the 2007 Sudanese Women’s Forum to discuss the things that keep us apart. More will join the Sudanese Women's Dialogue Series in the Summer of 2008.

We are not building another organization. We are connecting and supporting networks. The women are the ones figuring out how to ensure lasting peace in Sudan and beyond. We are making sure that any changes are for the whole country of Sudan and involve women in the ongoing peace process.

We need to act now to ensure peace throughout Sudan. Sisterhood for Peace will be doing all it can over the next year towards this end. Facilitating lasting peace is a big job. We know we have a lot of work to do. And we cannot do it alone. We will connect with other women, learn from each other’s struggles, build a network among those who share our vision and those who want to see a better future for all women and children around the globe. We invite you to join us. Become a Sister for Peace at www.sisterhoodforpeace.org.