The conflict in Sudan has devastated millions, with women suffering the brunt of violence, displacement, and severe economic hardship. As the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Response Forces (RSF) clash, more than 10.7 million people have been displaced, and over 25 million are at risk of starvation. However, the most profound toll has been on women, who are subjected to sexual violence, harassment, and psychological trauma as a result of the ongoing warfare.
Women in Sudan, particularly those who are displaced, face sexual violence not only from armed forces but also from humanitarian workers who are supposed to offer aid. Many women are forced to leave their families and seek refuge in camps, where they are increasingly vulnerable to sexual assault and harassment. Reports indicate that some women, overwhelmed by the trauma, have taken their own lives. Those who survive rape are often left to deal with the social and psychological consequences, including stigma from their communities and sometimes death at the hands of male relatives who seek to “cleanse the dishonor.”
In response to the surge in sexual violence, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has set up 49 centers across Sudan, providing essential services to prevent and address sexual violence. More than 1,200 women have received consultations at health centers, supported by international efforts from countries like Canada, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S. Despite these efforts, the situation for Sudanese women remains dire, with sexual violence continuing to escalate as the conflict rages on.
The plight of Sudanese women reflects a broader pattern across Africa, where conflict and terrorism disproportionately affect women. In regions plagued by war, like northeastern Nigeria, women have been abducted by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, forced into marriages with militants, and turned into sex slaves. The kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014 highlighted the vulnerability of women in such environments, and although some girls were freed, over 100 remain missing. These girls are believed to have been forced into marriages with Boko Haram fighters or sold into sexual slavery.
Beyond sexual violence, women in conflict zones are also being exploited by militant organizations for operational purposes. In recent years, terrorist groups have increasingly recruited women to carry out attacks or gather intelligence, knowing that women can pass through checkpoints with fewer suspicions and hide weapons more easily. For instance, in 2019, a female Boko Haram suicide bomber attacked a crowd in Borno state, killing nearly 30 people. Another bombing in 2024 claimed the lives of 32 people at a wedding in Gwoza.
The ongoing conflicts and terrorism have also led to widespread displacement, with over 30 million people in Africa now living as refugees or internally displaced persons. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic have seen the highest numbers of displaced individuals, with many of them residing in camps. These camps are often underfunded and lack essential services like reproductive health care, further endangering the lives of women who already face threats of sexual violence.
In addition to physical violence, women in conflict zones also experience profound economic hardships. As male family members are killed or conscripted into armed forces, women are forced to take on the role of primary breadwinners. Many engage in farming, trading, or small-scale businesses to support their families. However, these efforts are often made under hazardous conditions, with limited resources and constant threats of attack from militant groups. In regions under Boko Haram’s control, for example, women face the dual challenge of supporting their families while avoiding violence and repression.
The situation in Sudan and across Africa highlights the complex intersection of gender inequality and conflict. Women are often the primary victims of sexual violence, but they also bear the burden of keeping communities alive through their economic and social contributions. Despite the hardships, women continue to play critical roles in sustaining their families and communities during crises.
As noted by Huriye Yıldırım Çınar, an expert in African studies and author of an article published in Daily Sabah, the humanitarian crisis faced by women in Sudan and other African conflict zones is not just a gender issue but a global security concern. Efforts to address the suffering of women in conflict zones, such as the establishment of support centers in Sudan, are important first steps. However, there is a pressing need for more comprehensive international cooperation to protect women’s rights and ensure their safety. Strengthening the role of women in these regions is essential not only for humanitarian efforts but also for fostering long-term peace and stability. Alleviating the suffering of women in conflict zones will be an important step toward achieving global peace and security.
