The ongoing conflict in Sudan has triggered a dire humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of people displaced and vulnerable. Within this crisis, women and girls are disproportionately affected, facing heightened risks of violence, displacement, and economic hardship. Fueled by a shared outrage at the international community’s neglect of Sudan and building on longstanding relationships, the Women’s Refugee Commission, the Sudan Family Planning Association, and the Gender in Emergencies Group initially planned a joint assessment to evaluate the crisis’s impact on women. Leveraging our established relationships and expertise, we embarked on a joint assessment mission to document the devastating impact of the conflict on women’s lives.
During the initial scoping review, the limitations of quantitative data-driven assessment approaches emerged. We shifted our strategy to a storytelling project, aiming to capture Sudanese women’s diverse experiences and resilience in their own words.
“One of the things I learned from the war is that you can plan for your life, and in a second everything can change, and start to build everything from scratch.” – Ayesha Dabaka, university student
The Pivot: From Assessment to Storytelling
Traditional assessments, while valuable for gathering quantitative data, often fall short of capturing the nuanced, personal experiences of women in crisis. We recognized that numbers alone cannot convey the depth of their suffering, resilience, and agency. By prioritizing storytelling, we sought to humanize the crisis and center women as active narrators of their own lives. We sought to shift power by giving space to women to decide what they wanted to share with the world. This shift allowed us to build a more holistic understanding of their experiences, challenges, and needs, ultimately informing more effective and gender-sensitive humanitarian responses. This decision was reached through collaborative discussions between our three organizations to amplify awareness and inspire action regarding the devastating impact of the Sudan conflict on women by combining data-driven insights with compelling personal narratives.
The Storytelling Project: Diverse Voices of Sudanese Women
This storytelling project aims to paint a rich tapestry of Sudanese women’s lives, capturing the unique experiences of women from all walks of life. We collected stories of women from diverse regions, ethnicities, and backgrounds—a vibrant mix of tradespeople and housewives, students and graduates. Some of the women, who ranged in age from 18 to over 70, are married, some are not. Some have children, some don’t. We heard from community leaders and those who lead quieter lives. But this project didn’t stop at borders. We captured the stories of Sudanese women both within their homeland and those seeking refuge abroad, as well as shining a light on the experiences of an Ethiopian refugee navigating the complexities of life in Sudan. Amidst conflict and displacement, these stories are a testament to their unwavering spirit in the face of incredible hardship and reckless violence. By amplifying these diverse voices from Sudan, we aim to challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, and inspire long-overdue action.
“I hope to fill the emptiness inside me and to improve our circumstances. I want to instill beautiful values in the children and help rebuild our country for the next generation. Change starts with women.” – B.H.F., government employee
The stories highlight the unique challenges faced by Sudanese women, including gender-based violence, displacement, and economic hardship. However, they also showcase their resilience, agency, and determination to rebuild their lives and communities.
“After the war, I wish women have a stronger voice and to give women more opportunities to participate in public freely.” – Suaad Ahmed, national organization employee
The Process: Working in Solidarity
The collaboration between the Women’s Refugee Commission, the Sudan Family Planning Association, and the Gender in Emergencies Group underscores the critical importance of solidarity among Western organizations and local women’s groups in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women in Sudan. By combining WRC’s global advocacy expertise with SFPA’s on-the-ground experience in women’s and reproductive health, alongside GIE’s proficiency in rapid gender analysis methods, this partnership has created a powerful, complementary framework. This synergy not only enriches the storytelling project but also ensures that the diverse realities of Sudanese women are accurately represented and understood. By standing in solidarity and working in partnership, we not only amplify the experiences of Sudanese women but also enhance our collective ability to advocate for their rights and needs in a way that is informed, respectful, and responsive to their unique contexts.
Conclusion
These stories have been shared through various platforms, including social media, publications, and events, to raise awareness and foster solidarity with Sudanese women.
We believe that when we center women’s experiences in how we design projects and in how we deliver them, we pave the way for a more compassionate and equitable world.
“War taught me to be the pillar of the house and the Sudanese woman is the foundation and the head of the family. I love my country.” – Anonymous, trader and journalist
The Women’s Refugee Commission is working to create a better world for refugees. To read more stories of women of Sudan, view our storytelling project “In Her Own Words: Voices of Sudan.” You can also learn more about WRC’s story.
