Fatima Adam

A Sudanese activist pivotal in the 2019 revolution that toppled Omar al-Bashir's regime, advocating for democracy and women's rights

Fatima Adam emerged as a leading figure during Sudan's 2019 revolution, which culminated in the ousting of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir. As co-founder of the youth-led protest group 'Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA)', she organized nationwide strikes and demonstrations using innovative tactics like encrypted messaging and decentralized leadership structures. Despite facing arrest warrants and death threats, she became the first woman to address protesters at the historic sit-in outside Khartoum's military headquarters, delivering speeches that galvanized millions through live-streamed videos.

Post-revolution, Adam has continued pushing for democratic reforms as a member of the civilian transitional government. She spearheaded the 'Women's March' in 2022 to demand inclusive governance, drawing parallels to global movements like #MeToo. Her advocacy led to landmark legislation including Sudan's first-ever gender-based violence act in 2023. Adam's TED Talk 'The Power of Collective Courage' (watch: ted.com) has reached over 2 million viewers, inspiring activists across Africa.

In 2024, she launched the 'Future Generation Initiative', a digital platform training 50,000+ youth in nonviolent resistance strategies. Her work has been featured in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and the UN Women's 2023 report on youth activism. Despite ongoing political challenges, Adam remains a symbol of hope for Sudan's transition to democracy.