Saferworld, a prominent peacebuilding organization, authored the report titled "Support to Sudanese Women Responding to Conflict and Crisis." Established to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, Saferworld collaborates with local communities, civil society, and governments to enhance safety and security during violent conflicts. The organization addresses the root causes of conflict and fosters sustainable peace.
The report's methodology included participatory approaches, bringing insights from a March 2024 event at the 68th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The primary aim was to highlight the critical issues facing Sudanese women, particularly in the wake of the April 2023 conflict in Khartoum, when the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, started fighting against each other. Objectives included understanding the impact of gender-based violence (GBV), political participation challenges, and women's economic empowerment needs, alongside gathering recommendations to improve support for these women.
The ongoing crisis has exacerbated sexual and gender-based crimes, hunger, and maternal mortality, disproportionately affecting women and girls. The situation is further complicated by internal displacement, leading to a lack of access to healthcare, education, and other essential services, exposing civilians to inhumane conditions, and increasing their vulnerability.
Moreover, survivors face additional challenges due to limited humanitarian aid, lack of financial and psychological support, growing stigma, and fear of reporting, within a patriarchal and militarized society that offers little space for women.
Key points from the report include the severe impact of the conflict on women and girls, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. The analysis from five Sudanese women activists underscored the increased GBV and barriers to political participation and economic activities. Women's rights organizations have been at the forefront, providing essential humanitarian assistance and advocating for more inclusive policies. The report emphasizes the need for a holistic support approach, aiming for feminist and sustainable peace, and enhancing gender sensitivity and expertise to deal with these kinds of situations.
The conclusions and recommendations advocate for international and local stakeholders to enhance support for Sudanese women, reducing discrimination and inequality. Recommendations include fostering women's participation in peace processes, ensuring access to economic resources, and implementing robust measures to prevent and respond to GBV. Additionally, the report calls for sustained international attention and aid to address the humanitarian crisis and support long-term peacebuilding efforts.
To learn more, please visit:
- https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/statement/2024/04/a-year-of-suffering-for-sudanese-women-and-girls
- https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/sudan/card/5HPjTQBSaq/
- https://sudan.iom.int/stories/sudans-silent-heroes-empowering-women-amidst-conflict-and-displacement-0
- https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/feature-story/2024/04/women-share-stories-of-hardship-during-year-of-war-in-sudan
