Sudanese Women’s Association of Nairobi: When Going Home is a Dream Come True

The civil war in Sudan has displaced millions and forced many of its citizens to flee to other countries. The Sudan gained independence from Great Britain in 1956. The predominantly Muslim North has fought for control of the non-Muslim, non-Arab south, keeping the country mired in civil war for 37 of its 47 years of independence. Since 1983 about 2 million people have died and nearly 4 million people have been forced to flee their homes, cities, and villages. Many have come from Sudan separated from husbands, brothers, fathers and close friends fighting in the civil war; some have died in battle. Many women are left to fend for themselves and their families. They come to Kenya lacking a basic education, illiterate, with few skills or enough money to start a business.

Dr. Pauline Riak was one of the refugees who made her way to Nairobi. She and a small group of determined women formed the Sudanese Women’s Association in Nairobi (SWAN, a Lutheran World Relief partner). To be a member of this group, each one pledged to learn skills necessary to earn a living, learn the local language and never to speak ill of anyone else. While each is a laudable personal goal, they determined that SWAN should also help other refugees from Sudan as well, particularly women. They went to work finding the right persons to teach language skills (Swahili, English etc.), reading and writing. They teach people to develop and manage businesses (restaurants, hair salons, fabric shops, clothes making, etc.) and also provide loans to start and expand businesses. Most importantly, they hold classes and seminars on peace (getting along with one another). For people displaced by war, anger and resentment run deep. Many refugees lost everything possessions, children spouses, friends. To come from such an environment, to have every reason to harbor bitter resentment and still make peace and forgiveness as an overarching theme for life is extraordinary. These women know that peace doesn’t come naturally under these circumstances; it must be learned and they will see to its teaching.

June Malet, chairman of SWAN is quiet, introspective, observes much and when she talks, chooses her words well. The regular staff meeting inevitably turns to the latest news about the peace process in Sudan. Dr. Pauline Riak articulates their feelings well. She talks about the pride the Sudanese people have for their country. “Many countries in Africa are beautiful, but once you experience the beauty of the country and drink the waters of the river Nile, there is no turning back! If fighting stopped and peace was restored to our country today, Sudanese refuges would go back home in a heartbeat. They would pack up their bags and go back home even in the middle of the night!” There is silence; June says in a whisper, “I just want to go home.” There is silence again. For a few seconds, the staff spends time contemplating this idea.

SWAN brings hope to many of the Sudanese people who’ve sought refuge in Nairobi. June explains that the members of this organization are thankful for the opportunity they’ve had here in Nairobi.

There is always a flurry of daily activity on their compound. There’s a beginner’s English class and a mediation class for a group of young Sudanese men. There’s a craft shop open for business and a small group of women who get together to batik fabric. The staff is also hard at work keeping up with the day’s activity and planning for tomorrow’s schedule. In the afternoon there’s a break for lunch for the mediation session. The gentlemen line up for hotdogs and a cold drink while one group of women leave from their English class to make way for the intermediate level class that meets in the afternoon. There is much that goes on at the compound, but the activity goes beyond its boundaries. As you travel around the city of Nairobi, you will encounter several women that are SWAN’s success story. For example, as you walk through Kenyatta Market, a major center for commerce in the city, you will find a number of women who now own their own businesses. There are tailoring shops, hair salons, and restaurants, all owned by women that received their training at SWAN.

“We’re so thankful for the relationship we have with Lutheran World Relief and the Stand With Africa campaign,” says June Malet. Many people know about the war and the hard times we’ve faced through the media, but Stand With Africa has also educated people about how we’ve overcome many of our struggles and the empowerment of our women.”