September
9, 2000
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
Sudan's highest court has temporarily suspended a decree by the governor of Khartoum which bans women from working in the public service sector.
The decree has been criticized by human rights groups.
It stopped women from working in jobs where they are in direct contact with men, such as petrol stations, hotels and restaurants.
The governor, Majzoub Khalifa, said the decree was in line with Islamic Sharia law and was aimed at
honoring women.
He said he'd ignore the court's ruling. The Constitutional Court ordered the suspension of the ban while it considered its legality.
