Breaking barriers: a leadership framework for women’s development in Sudan

This policy paper presents the results of a study that sought to identify the key organisational barriers impeding women’s leadership in Sudan and recommends policy reforms to overcome these challenges. The study involved 75 women leaders from various sectors who completed three rounds of Delphi study and focus group discussions. The paper provides a framework and specific policy recommendations that support women’s advancement and participation in decision-making positions in Sudan. The study identifies cross-sectoral barriers and enablers as well as maps existing organisational policies in Sudan. The policy recommendations can inform legislative reforms and promote gender-responsive policies that address the barriers and enablers to women’s advancement and meaningful participation in decision-making processes. This study highlights the urgent need to address the organisational and governmental barriers that impede women’s leadership development in Sudan and provides a roadmap for achieving gender equity in leadership and decision-making positions. The low representation of women in leadership roles in Sudan emphasises the critical role that the government must play in supporting these policy reforms. The paper’s findings and recommendations are relevant to scholars and practitioners in multiple fields, including MENA region studies, organisational behaviour, women’s career advancement and leadership development.