As Sudan’s civil war enters its third year this week, UN Women warned that the country faces the world’s worst humanitarian crisis for women and girls, with over 12 million now at risk of gender-based violence and six million already displaced.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has forced millions of Sudanese to flee their homes. Among them, women and girls faced some of the harshest conditions, including widespread hunger, lack of healthcare and escalating violence.
UN Women reported that the number of people at risk of gender-based violence, including sexual assault, had tripled since the outbreak of war, rising to more than 12 million. Though most cases of conflict-related sexual violence remained unreported, evidence indicated it was being used systematically as a weapon of war.
The humanitarian fallout had become particularly dire for women and girls. Most of the displaced population were female and many faced acute food insecurity due to restricted access to food, essential goods and public services. In the worst-affected areas, hunger had become a daily struggle.
With nearly 80 per cent of hospitals in conflict zones no longer functioning, maternal mortality had increased significantly. Access to sexual and reproductive healthcare had also been severely disrupted. Meanwhile, 80 per cent of displaced women lacked access to clean water, hindered by safety concerns, distance and affordability.
Despite the grim reality, Sudanese women had taken on frontline roles as responders and peacebuilders, a UN Women press note stated. Backed by the Kampala Feminist Declaration—a framework set by 49 women-led groups—they have called for equal representation in all peace negotiations. The women are demanding 50 per cent representation at decision-making tables and a greater say in shaping the country’s future.
“Women in Sudan are enduring the gravest forms of violence — particularly sexual violence — while being systematically excluded from peace processes,” said Anna Mutavati, UN Women’s regional director for east and southern Africa. “Their strength is extraordinary, but they cannot and should not be left to navigate this crisis alone.”
Over the past two years, UN Women partnered with more than 60 women-led organisations to reach over 15,000 women across conflict-hit areas. Their support included the distribution of household essentials, mental health services, legal aid and training for income-generating activities. Funding from the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund also helped displaced women find shelter and engage in peace advocacy.
Still, needs far outstripped available resources. UN Women issued an urgent appeal for increased international support to restore peace, protect women’s rights and hold perpetrators of violence accountable. Local women’s organisations, they said, needed sustainable funding to continue their vital work on the ground.
“Sudanese women deserve not merely survival, but the dignity to rebuild and thrive,” Mutavati added.