SUDANESE activists hailed the repeal of misogynistic legislation controlling how women dress and behave in public as “an historic moment” today.

Sudan’s transitional government scrapped a public order law that had banned women from leaving their hair uncovered, mixing with men other than their husbands or direct family and from wearing trousers, for which they could receive 40 lashes.

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok paid tribute to Sudanese women “who have endured the atrocities that resulted from the implementation of this law.”

Describing the move as historic, Sudanese Professionals Association spokeswoman Samahir Mubarek said: “This is a moment of relief, because each and every person in Sudan has been affected in some way or the other by this regime in a negative manner.”

Authorities also banned deposed President Omar al-Bashir’s National Congress Party, whose regime terrorised Sudan for decades.

Seizing the party’s assets was necessary for the dignity of the people, Mr Hamdok said, as well as to “retrieve the stolen wealth of the people of Sudan.”

Mr Bashir was ousted in April following months of protest. The former leader, who had been in power since 1989, remains in jail  facing charges of corruption and human rights abuse.