The escalating conflict in Sudan has created a humanitarian catastrophe, with devastating impacts on women and girls, as outlined in a new report from UN Women. The conflict, which has caused the largest internal displacement crisis globally since the Syrian civil war, has led to a two-fold increase in gender-based violence and worsened conditions for the 5.8 million women and girls now internally displaced.
Photo: OCHA/Ala Kheir
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has sparked a severe humanitarian crisis, with women and girls bearing the brunt of its impact, according to a new UN Women report. This conflict, now responsible for the world’s largest internal displacement since the Syrian civil war, has led to a doubling of gender-based violence and deteriorated living conditions for 5.8 million displaced women and girls.
According to the Gender Alert, the number of people requiring gender-based violence-related services has surged by 100% since the start of the conflict, reaching 6.7 million by the end of 2023—a number expected to be even higher today. While men and boys have also been victims of such violence, the vast majority of cases involve women and girls. The ongoing fighting in regions like Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan has heightened the risks, with rising reports of conflict-related sexual violence, exploitation, and abuse. Displaced women and girls are particularly vulnerable, with many cases going unreported due to fears of stigma, retribution, and a lack of support services.
Compounding these issues, Sudan is facing unprecedented levels of food insecurity, with women and girls bearing the brunt. Female-headed households are disproportionately affected, with 64% experiencing food shortages compared to 48% of male-headed households. Many women and girls are eating less and after others in their households, worsening their already precarious situation. Access to healthcare is also critical, with 1.63 million women of reproductive age unable to receive adequate services. Of these, over 160,000 are pregnant, with 54,000 expected to give birth in the coming months, further exacerbating the crisis.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services are also severely lacking, especially for displaced women. At least 80% of them cannot access clean water due to safety concerns, affordability, and distance from water sources. The education crisis is another pressing issue, with 2.5 million girls—74% of school-aged girls—out of school, increasing their risk of child marriage and female genital mutilation.
“Women and girls in Sudan are facing unimaginable challenges, yet their strength and resilience continue to inspire us,” said Hodan Addou, acting Regional Director for UN Women’s East and Southern Africa office. “We cannot let Sudan become a forgotten crisis. Now, more than ever, the international community must rally together to support women in Sudan, ensuring they have the resources and protection they need to survive and rebuild their lives.”
The report calls for urgent action to protect women and girls physically and ensure access to food, clean water, and sexual and reproductive healthcare. UN Women is working alongside women-led organizations to build resilience and provide critical humanitarian services, but funding remains insufficient. In 2023, women-led groups received only 1.63% of the Sudan Humanitarian Fund’s financial resources.