In search of queering whispers

Documenting cases of violence in countries that mistrust the development sector.

TW: Suicide

NGO’s have to work under intense state scrutiny in Sudan so the work of addressing gender-based violence against women and LGBTQI+ persons is hampered at the onset due to unavailability of detailed documentation on the prevalence of GBV cases. Activists and organizations covering the region rely on local networks and ‘word of mouth’ for information and our Sudanese partners reported that the situation became dire in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic as the crisis was compounded with the on-going geo-political conflict in Sudan and the MENA region.

In the words of our partners, “the number of GBV incidents against women and LGBTQI+ individuals during the lockdown are shocking, especially familial violence upon women and LGBTQI+ individuals stuck at home during the lockdown, which have sometimes resulted in the persons committing suicide”, but since there is no data to cite, it becomes difficult to call for an intervention.

Our partners have been working on developing legal and socio-political support networks using the limited means available. However, their reach has been restricted due to the lockdown and security threats. Additionally, anyone working on LGBTQI+ rights faces very serious consequences in Sudan.

The communities, however, are resilient and have been documenting and addressing GBV cases as best as they can. The need for establishing forums that can document, archive and present data to global human rights networks is highlighted.

Artwork by Sonaksha Iyengar.

Story curated by AFE.

View the illustrated story here.