Earlier this year, we joined hundreds gathered under a large tent outside of Khartoum, Sudan, for Sunday Mass. We served as a brief distraction for the curious eyes of children, who quickly returned to entertaining and minding the youngest among them.

That afternoon, female elders shared stories of leading their fellow tea-sellers and teachers, as well as their daughters and granddaughters, to rise up against Omar al Bashir’s regime. They came from various religious backgrounds, yet together they had built a community and secured the freedom to stand with their heads unbowed and uncovered.