Helping displaced women in Sudan find new paths to survival

“Being a woman is already challenging, but being a mother during times of conflict is even harder,” said Fatima, who is displaced in Sudan. 

Fatima was forced to flee Tawila, her hometown in North Darfur State, in June 2023 due to escalating violence. She escaped to Rokero, in Central Darfur State, but like many women she faced immense risks. She explained: “As a woman I was an easy target for attacks, and fleeing was difficult. It was even more heartbreaking because my two children were separated from me.”

Thanks to the efforts of humanitarian partners funded by the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF), Fatima was eventually reunited with her children. “They were safe and are now with me after being separated for months,” she said.

#Bearing the brunt

Women and girls continue to bear the brunt of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, with rising cases of gender-based violence compounding their hardships. Despite the challenges, non-governmental organizations, such as World Relief, are using SHF funding to support affected communities.

Fatima and other displaced families in Rokero are benefiting from projects implemented in the area. A waterhole constructed last year is now the sole source of drinking water for about 200 households. World Relief also established a health and nutrition facility in the region, and it plans to include gender-based violence and child protection programmes in its activities.

During a recent community meeting, Fatima and other women shared their burdens. Many lost or are separated from their husbands due to conflict, but having each other as a support system makes the women feel strong. 

#Empowering women

In South Kordofan, SHF is funding initiatives led by Norwegian Church Aid. They include distributing dignity kits, and establishing three women and girls' safe spaces, and community-based protection networks. The organization is also coordinating with authorities, humanitarian actors and peacebuilding partners to challenge harmful societal norms.

One woman shared how the safe spaces have transformed her life: “At least I have found a place where I can chat freely with my fellow women and laugh. I did not know I could be happy again.”

Another woman expressed gratitude for learning new skills: “I’m happy and thankful to the project for teaching us how to make soap. We used to wash our clothes with tree leaves, but now we can use soap.”

A third participant shared her newfound self-reliance: “I’ve learned how to make dresses. Even if my husband cannot afford to buy one, I’ve made my own maternity dress.”