Sudanese Women Face Ongoing Violence and Insecurity Amid Protracted Conflict
As Sudan’s brutal conflict enters its fourth year, women and girls across the country continue to endure heightened risks of gender-based violence, displacement, and insecurity, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In a recent assessment, the agency revealed alarming trends of danger faced by women, whether fleeing conflict zones or living in displacement camps.
Fabrizia Falcione, UNFPA’s Country Representative in Sudan, shared these findings during a press briefing in New York on Friday. The assessment, based on 95 focus group discussions across 16 of Sudan’s 18 states, involved nearly 1,000 participants. Among women aged 25 to 49, a staggering 76% reported feeling unsafe—both within displacement camps and in public spaces such as markets, water points, and firewood collection areas.
“No matter where they are, women feel unsafe. This isn’t limited to isolated incidents or locations,” Falcione emphasized, speaking from Khartoum.
Nighttime poses particular risks, with women and girls often forced to navigate dark, unlit paths to access latrines in displacement camps. Many of these camps are overcrowded, with women and children making up the majority of residents. Falcione described the harrowing conditions, noting that even pregnant women must undertake these perilous journeys in complete darkness.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced millions and left communities devastated. Falcione recounted her visits to regions like Khartoum, White Nile, and Blue Nile states, where women have endured months of shelling and active combat.
“Many have been displaced multiple times, and all have suffered violence or witnessed it firsthand,” she said.
A Perilous Path to Safety
For women fleeing conflict zones, the journey to safety is fraught with danger. Reports of harassment, sexual violence, and physical abuse are rampant, compounded by shortages of food and water. Even upon reaching displacement sites, safety remains elusive.
Compounding the crisis is the difficulty of reporting gender-based violence. Stigma, fear of retaliation, financial constraints, and limited access to service providers prevent many women from seeking help.
What Women Need Most
When asked about their priorities, 75% of women identified economic empowerment and livelihoods as their foremost need. Falcione stressed that Sudanese women are not looking for handouts but opportunities to support their families.
“They want basic services—healthcare, education for their children, and livelihood opportunities,” she explained. “They don’t want to be fed; they want the means to feed their families.”
However, funding shortages threaten these aspirations. Currently, only 14% of the necessary funds for protection services and 11% for health services have been secured. Falcione lamented the lack of international support, calling the situation a “protection crisis” disproportionately affecting women and girls.
Safe Spaces Offer Respite
Despite the dire circumstances, UNFPA has established 88 safe spaces across Sudan, providing women and girls with a refuge to share their experiences, seek help, and access vital services. These spaces have become lifelines for many, including one young girl who expressed gratitude for the chance to spend time with friends, reminiscent of life before the war.
Yet, funding constraints jeopardize the sustainability of these critical services. Falcione urged the international community to step up its support, emphasizing that Sudan’s women and girls cannot be abandoned.
As the conflict shows no signs of abating, the plight of Sudanese women underscores the urgent need for global attention and resources. Without immediate action, the cycle of violence and displacement will continue to devastate lives and communities.
— Reported by Nexio News
