[6] She graduated in 1969 from the University of Khartoum after studying economics and political science.

[2][7] Asma was dismissed from the Ministry following the 1989 Sudanese coup d'état that brought Omar al-Bashir to power[8] and persecuted by the new government.

[10] In response to her persecution by the al-Bashir government, Asma chose to live in exile in Morocco.

[2] While living in Morocco, Asma worked as a consultant to international organisations including Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).

[2] Asma was added by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to the list of candidate ministers provided to him by the FFC, on the grounds of her role in opposing the al-Bashir government, her support of the protests calling for political change, and her diplomatic experience.