Women Of The Sun

John Garang, deceased visionary and key political figure in south Sudan's struggle for independence, once called them "the marginalized of the marginalized." No more. Something is subtly changing in what will soon be the world's newest nation and it's not just statehood. It's the millions of women who make up 65% of the southern population and who have survived decades of brutal war, famine, disease, slavery, and constant mobilization only to emerge as the key voting bloc in this month's referendum. Politics never interested them much; survival did. But now that peace and likely independence have emerged, they are discerning an opportunity that's not just about their children or their tribe but themselves - individual beings who up until now were the caregivers of a people consigned to Africa's colonial past. Suddenly it's not just about education or health for their children that remains lodged uppermost in their minds, but their own development and pursuit of opportunity.We saw it everywhere we journeyed as observers to the referendum itself. Men had their own line and talked primarily politics in the lengthy wait until they could vote. The women in their own line were largely silent, and for good reason. They had already waited for this moment for 20 years, had quietly discussed its meaning among themselves, and merely waited for that moment when they placed their inked fingerprint on the ballot. For their male counterparts it was all about freedom and independence, but for the women there was the poignant pageant of just laying their deep and abiding pain to rest. It had been left to them to comfort the dying, feed their children on next to nothing, fill in leadership posts while their men fought in Africa's longest civil war. They were the greatest caregivers of the modern era and most of the world hardly noticed them, opting instead to concentrate on genocide, MIG fighter jets, war and oil.But they are now in the process of arising from the collective pain to take their own rightful and long overdue place in the scalding Sudanese sun. They were encouraged to claim that right by what they termed "the women of the snow" - Canadian women who journeyed with an NGO - Canadian Aid for Southern Sudan - to develop women's programs in their region. Over a decade ago they laughed as they witnessed me washing my wife's clothing, including underwear, in a basin by a well. They rushed then to stop me, claiming it was their responsibility, I prevailed out of stubbornness, but key lessons were learned by these heroes of history as they gained an understanding that women in other parts of the world claimed equality in ever vital facet of life. These same women asked me to assist them with the dishes two weeks ago as we cleaned up after a celebration. It took no courage on their part; they had changed in the growing understanding that work is meant to be shared. It was in this moment of clarity that I realized their time had arrived.They had shouldered the greatest responsibilities as their children were lost to death and their husbands were taken to war. They are now joining forces in the realization that those very acts of sacrifice and fortitude rightfully qualify them for leadership in the peace dividend that is now settling on their nation. It's a bold step, one that male leaders are gradually encouraging, and it will mean an entirely new future for their development. The southern leadership has promised to raise the level of women in key leadership roles from 10% at present to at least 30% over the next year. They are nearly on track to achieve it.And then there is the great unmentionable truth which they bear in silence: a good many of them suffered rape - repeatedly - and genital mutilation far more humiliating than painful. These aren't just giants of courage and sacrifice; they are also survivors and the pain they presently bear will be carried to their death. But - and this is their great hope - not to their daughter's deaths. The sun has intervened and they now stand in its rays, wearing their own internal pain as a quiet shield to protect those that come after them. These are the women of the sun who held up far more than half the sky. They are the prototype African leaders of tomorrow - more empowered than branded by their past and we stand humbled in their shadow.Note: This is the last of two-week series on the Sudanese referendum. The women and men of Sudan now await our solidarity and support as they seek to steer Africa to a new generation.