Consultant to Develop a Feminist Policy Paper on the Concept of Guardianship under Islam and its Impact on Women’s Political Participation in Sudan

Job Description

Location	Remote (with potential for in person engagements)
Timeline	30 days over 8 weeks
Project	Al Thawra Untha

A. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) is a civil society coalition bringing together grassroots women’s rights organizations from Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, and Uganda. Established in 1995, SIHA aims to strengthen the capacity of women’s rights organizations in the Horn of Africa, contributing to the empowerment of women and advocating for effective change. SIHA operates as a regional platform for mobilizing activists, vulnerable groups, and marginalized women, men, and girls to challenge the root causes of problems faced by women and girls in the Horn of Africa Region. More information about SIHA is available at www.sihanet.org  

B. PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Al Thawra Untha program is a collaborative initiative led by a consortium of organizations aimed at strengthening civil society advocacy for the implementation of the National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (NAP1325). It focuses on promoting women’s participation and empowerment in conflict and post-conflict contexts in Iraq and Sudan. Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Power of Voices Partnerships, this program runs from 2021 to 2025 in strategic partnership with the Ministry. The program supports Peace Collectives—grassroots movements established under Al Thawra Untha—in Khartoum, Kassala, Kadugli, Dilling, Al Fashir, Nyala, and Blue Nile. These collectives advocate for women’s roles in nonviolent campaigns that seek to strengthen democracy and reduce violent conflicts. Despite the setbacks of the April 15, 2023, conflict, these collectives continue their work for peace and stability, even under increasingly difficult circumstances. The project has also specifically targeted youth and other marginalized groups to enhance their voices on the peace and security concerns in Sudan.   

C. BACKGROUND OF THE CONSULTANCY

Under the notion of guardianship over women in the context of Islam, women are viewed as “legal minors under the control of their mahram,” this being a close male relation who may be a father, brother, grandfather, husband or son. Several restrictions on how women autonomously live their lives are therefore imposed under this system. Guardianship impacts a women’s freedom of movement, her ability to work, attain educational opportunities, and access critical services related to health and justice, centering this around male consent as a prerequisite. 

The guardianship system is therefore founded on traditional patriarchal norms, denoting women as physically, mentally and emotionally inferior to men, incapable of decision-making. 

Contextualizing this, Sudan is experiencing a brutal campaign of atrocities driven by male dominance and ego, with women placed in positions where they must make life-and-death decisions to protect their families and communities. Despite their efforts, women are facing extreme violence on all fronts; sexual violence and torture are widespread, and those who speak out against these violations risk slander, hate, and harassment. Misogynistic and hateful narratives are growing significantly, while the exclusion of women’s voices and their active participation in public spaces denies them the opportunity to contribute to shaping a future where they can have a dignified presence and equal rights. This is happening while ​the​ guardianship system reinforces patriarchal beliefs on the ownership of women’s bodies.

The diminished autonomy of women under this system has large scale implications related to women’s political participation in critical national and policy decision making spaces. The harmful stereotypes created by the guardianship system around the capabilities of women infiltrate key decision-making spaces around transitional justice processes, nation rebuilding, security sector reform and demilitarization in Sudan. This impacts the way the thoughts, views and opinions of women are received in these political spaces and results in a recycling of patriarchal conceptual frames, which underpin decisions made in these areas. 

As such, SIHA Network seeks to develop research to analyze the concept of guardianship under Islam and its impact on women’s political participation in Sudan. This is with the overall purpose of developing actionable recommendations on how the current understanding of guardianship can be dismantled and shifted in favour of propelling the voices and participation of women in the political and decision-making sphere, in moving Sudan towards lasting peace. 

D. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

Under this project, the recruited consultant will produce a policy paper which will explore the concept of guardianship under Islam and how it has been applied in the context of Sudan, with respect to women. The paper will then critically examine how the interpretation of this concept has impacted the extent of women’s political participation in the country, exploring themes related to autonomy, shame and how women’s voices have been silenced over time and in the context of the current conflict in Sudan.  

Informed by key international instruments such as United Nations Security Council Resolution (USCR) 1325, this paper will highlight the critical and gendered gaps which are evident in Sudan’s current peace process, post-conflict rebuilding, security sector reform and demilitarization efforts and the critical ways in which the voices of women in Sudan are required in driving lasting outcomes within these decision-making spaces, towards peace. In doing so, this paper will develop actionable recommendations on how the understanding of guardianship can be shifted and dismantled in favour of supporting greater gender equality and women’s political participation in Sudan, exploring how religious leaders, feminist Islamic scholars, grassroot women’s activists, civil society organizations and key stakeholders within the Sudanese Government can support and achieve this. 

E. SCOPE OF WORK:

• Conduct comprehensive research on the concept of guardianship in Sudan and how it has been understood, interpreted and applied with respect to women in the country.
• Explore how the current understanding of guardianship under Islam has silenced the voices and autonomy of women in Sudan in the context of the current conflict and its consequent impact on women’s political participation.
• Examine the current gaps in Sudan’s current peace process and decision making with respect to post-conflict rebuilding, security sector reform and demilitarization.
• Underpinned by key instruments such as UNSCR 1325, analyze the history of women’s leadership in Sudan and how the voices of women in these key decision-making spaces are critical in ensuring lasting outcomes towards sustainable peace in the country.
• In leveraging developing feminist Islamic scholarship around this issue, reflect on how the concept of guardianship can be dismantled and shifted to support women’s political participation in Sudan. This will entail developing key recommendations on various strategies that be employed by religious leaders, feminist Islamic scholars, grassroot women’s activists, civil society organizations and key stakeholders within the Sudanese Government in driving this forward.

F. METHODOLOGY

The methodology for this study will adopt a hybrid approach, combining qualitative techniques such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with quantitative data analysis in the form of a desk review of current and varied data sources. In addition to interviewing feminist Islamic scholars, women leaders, religious leaders and grassroot women’s rights activists, stakeholder within the Sudanese government doing work around the country’s peace process, post-conflict rebuilding, security sector reform and demilitarization will also be incorporated. The voices of survivors within local communities and grassroot women rights organizations will also be involved to ensure a participatory and survivor centric approach, informing the research process. This is in addition to other creative data collection techniques the consultant may decide to employ, enhancing the relevance and depth of the research.   

Intersectional analysis will be applied to recognize the diverse identities and vulnerabilities of women and girls affected by exasperated instability and conflict in Sudan, considering factors like age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and disability. Ethical considerations will guide the research process, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and prioritization of respondents’ well-being. Additionally, capacity building initiatives will involve training local researchers and enumerators to enhance research quality and sustainability within the community. Triangulation of data and stakeholder engagement with key actors will further validate findings and ensure transparency and accountability throughout the study. 

G. DELIVERABLES

Activity	Deliverable	Due Date
Conduct desk research detailing the research methodology, including the approach to remote data collection, data analysis techniques, and plans for community engagement and stakeholder involvement, including a timeline.	An inception report & meeting which will serve as a roadmap for the research process, outlining the steps to be taken.	One week from contract signing.
Conduct study, including key informants and focus group discussions with stakeholders to gather and document evidence.	A draft report document of 25 to 30 pages (excluding annexes and data samples) outlining the findings and analysis of the research. The report should present key insights, trends, and recommendations derived from the research process.	3 weeks from inception meeting date.
Meeting with SIHA team and country coordinators to disseminate findings in draft report and receive feedback.	Power point presentation.	Week 6
Drafting of final report incorporating any feedback & policy briefs	Final draft of report. policy/research brief	Week 8
Presentation of findings to Stakeholders	Power point presentation	Subject to availability of Stakeholders, ideally within a week from submission of final report

H. BUDGET

The budget is at a maximum of $5,600 USD, depending on the researcher’s experience level and whether travel expenses are involved. This range accounts for variations in expertise and potential travel costs. The budget will cover research expenses, data collection, analysis, report writing, and any other relevant costs incurred during the study period.  

I.KEY COMPETENCES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience in conducting research in the fields of feminism, Islamic scholarship, women’s rights, gender equality, peace processes and women’s political participation.
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the conflict, socio-economic and political context of Sudan. Familiarity with the cultural nuances and gender norms prevalent in societies within the country is crucial for contextualizing research findings accurately.
• Ability to conduct gender-sensitive analysis and intersectional assessments, considering factors such as age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and disability. The candidate should be adept at integrating a gender perspective into research design, data collection, and analysis to uncover gender disparities and vulnerabilities.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex research findings clearly and concisely. Proficiency in report writing and presentation skills is necessary for effectively communicating research outcomes to diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and community members.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards in research, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity, and prioritizing the well-being of research participants. The candidate should adhere to ethical guidelines and protocols for research involving vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected contexts.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills.

J. SELECTION CRITERIA

Interested applicants should submit a technical proposal that combines the requested documents below. Documents that exceed the page limit requirements listed below will not be reviewed. 

1. CV(s) of no more than three pages. Firms should submit CVs for all key personnel included in the proposal. CVs should demonstrate previous experience conducting similar research. (30 Points)
2. A 4-5 page research proposal outlining the consultant/firm’s proposed methodology for the assessment, data collection methodology, and how their experience satisfies the requirements of the TOR. (30 Points)
3. A financial budget which details total expenditure for the duration of research (20 Points)
4. Up to ten pages total of relevant previous work. Samples of relevant work include previous assessments, survey analyses, and data analysis presentations. Samples should clearly indicate the applicant’s role in designing, delivering, and drafting the product. (20 Points)
5. Knowledge and experience in feminism, Islamic scholarship, women’s rights, gender equality, peace processes and women’s political participation. (10 Points)
6. Proficiency in written and spoken English. Fluency in any language spoken in the Greater Horn of Africa region will be an added advantage.

Incomplete applications and applications that do not meet the requirements will not be considered. Short-listed applicants may be invited for an interview at SIHA’s discretion.  

K. APPLICATION

How to Apply

Interested individual consultants or consultancy firms should submit their application packet by close of business on Friday, June 27, 2025; at 5 PM EAT to this link here.