Call for Action: Urgent Support for Sudanese Women and Girls

Today marks the second anniversary of the war that erupted on April 15th in Sudan, one of the most devastating conflicts of this century. Women and girls have borne the brunt of this ongoing crisis. Tragically, the global community has overlooked the catastrophic effects of the conflict, now regarded as the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. Genocidal acts and unprecedented levels of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) have been extensively documented by both local and international human rights organizations. In solidarity, global feminist movements and funding initiatives have joined the voices of local women’s groups, urging immediate action to alleviate the suffering of Sudanese women and girls and calls on the ministers meeting in London today to take concrete measures to ensure protection, and support for women and girls in Sudan

Over 12 million people have been displaced, the majority of whom are women and children. Women’s bodies have been exploited as spoils of war, with countless women and girls subjected to various forms of sexual and domestic slavery. These atrocities, described by human rights groups as crimes against humanity, compound the already dire situation. The nation is facing severe food insecurity, with 84% of women unable to meet the minimum dietary requirements, and more than 54% of internally displaced persons (IDPs) being women and girls.

In one of the most hostile environments for women’s rights advocacy, Sudanese women and feminist groups are showing extraordinary resilience. They continue to lead efforts to address the escalating humanitarian crisis, despite systemic barriers such as restricted access to aid, the shrinking of civic space, threats, and defamation campaigns targeting women activists. Women-led organizations (WLOs) are essential frontline responders, addressing urgent needs where international aid agencies have been unable to access or adequately respond.

The humanitarian response plan for Sudan was 40% underfunded in 2024. With new developments, including the freezing of United States Government (USG) funds, the widening funding gap further limits the ability of both local and international groups to save lives.

The continued neglect of the conflict in Sudan, coupled with the international community’s failure to pressure the warring factions into a ceasefire for two years, has allowed war crimes against women and girls to persist across the country. The deliberate disregard for regional and international funding, as well as the weaponization of the belligerents, has hindered meaningful efforts toward political resolution. 

It is imperative that the global community acknowledges and acts swiftly to end the suffering and ensure justice and security for Sudanese women and girls.

Recommendations suggestions 

1. Immediate Ceasefire Advocacy:
   The international community must intensify efforts to pressure the warring parties in Sudan to agree to a ceasefire. Strong diplomatic interventions and multilateral negotiations are essential to halt the ongoing violence and create pathways for humanitarian relief and political solutions.
2. Increased Humanitarian Funding:
   Address the funding shortfall by mobilizing global donors to fully support the Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan. Allocate resources specifically for women-led organizations (WLOs), which are uniquely positioned to address the urgent needs of women and girls in marginalized and conflict-affected communities.
3. Support for Women and Girls:
   Develop and fund programs to address the severe impacts of food insecurity and gender-based violence. These should include trauma counseling, healthcare, and economic empowerment initiatives for survivors of sexual violence and displacement.
4. Protection and Empowerment of Local Feminist Movements:
   Provide political and financial support to Sudanese women and feminist groups working on the front lines. Establish mechanisms to protect women activists from threats, smear campaigns, and systemic obstruction, ensuring they can operate freely and effectively.
5. Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence:
   Launch targeted investigations into the reported genocidal crimes and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Hold perpetrators accountable through international legal mechanisms, recognizing these acts as crimes against humanity.
6. Regional and Global Collaboration:
   Strengthen regional and global collaboration to address the weaponization and funding of belligerent groups in Sudan. Engage in coordinated efforts to cut off access to arms and resources that perpetuate the conflict.
7. Raising Global Awareness:
   Encourage media outlets, civil society, and international organizations to amplify the voices of Sudanese women and girls. Highlight the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis to drive global engagement and advocacy.
8. Long-Term Political Solutions: Support inclusive political dialogues that prioritize the representation of women and marginalized groups. Develop long-term strategies for building peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Sudan.

Signatories

African Women’s Development Fund

Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition

Canadian Voice of Women for Peace

Global Resilience Fund- Purposeful

AWID ( Association for Women in Development)

Nora organisation for compacting violence against women and girls

The Regional Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders in South West Asia and North Africa (WHRDMENA)

International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)

Bihyriat Feminist community organisation

Women peace and security center

Woman of change organization

Zenab for Women Development

The Global Sunrise Project

Inter Pares

Sudanese women Rights Action

CanafGroup

OCASI

International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN)

Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR)

Vital Voices Global Partnership

Researchers Without Borders

Refugees International

Global Fund for Women

Hawa Holistic Healing Center for Women