War and Resilience

In the first of a 4-part Women’s History Month Special, Daniella Maison amplifies the plight of the women of the Sudan.

As we enter Women’s History Month, it’s time to expand our purview to look at the women of the past and also the pressing struggles of modern-day women. While we honour the trailblazers who paved the way, we can’t afford to ignore the battles still being fought. By amplifying our contemporary challenges, we not only ensure that the voices of today’s women are heard, but we also we honour the ancestors and motivate a new generation to continue ‘fighting the good fight’.

In the heart of Sudan, a catastrophic crisis is entering its second year, where women are facing unthinkable hardships amidst a backdrop of conflict and instability. Mercy Corps has declared the war in Sudan is a “war on women”. From the harrowing realities of gender-based violence to the relentless struggle for basic rights and opportunities, Sudanese women are caught in a web of oppression that demands urgent attention.

A new UN Women report highlights the disproportionate impacts of the escalating conflict for Sudanese women and girls, including the 5.8 million who are internally displaced. The conflict has reversed the gains made towards democracy and stability, leaving the country in suffering and insecurity, while facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

It is the murky aftermath of years of conflict, economic instability, and political upheaval has created a complex environment where the aspirations of women are often overshadowed by systemic barriers and societal expectations.

At the heart of the issue lies the struggle for basic rights and security. Despite the promising narratives of recent reforms, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

Women continue to grapple with violence, both in the home and in public spaces.

The prevalence of gender-based violence remains alarmingly high, with inadequate legal protections and a justice system that often fails to hold perpetrators accountable. This systemic impunity not only perpetuates fear but also stifles the voices of countless women who dare to speak out against their oppressors.

The numbers are achingly shocking. Gender-based violence has reached alarming levels, disproportionately affecting women and children, with over 12.2 million at risk which is an 80 per cent increase from the previous year.

The economic landscape further complicates the fight for gender equality. Women in Sudan have historically faced significant barriers to accessing education and employment opportunities.

While there have been strides in promoting women’s participation in the workforce, the harsh economic realities of 2025 )exacerbated by inflation and dwindling resources) have disproportionately impacted women. Many find themselves trapped in low-paying jobs, with limited access to financial resources or entrepreneurial support. The challenge is not merely economic; it is a question of justice, empowerment and agency.

The political landscape remains precarious. The hope that followed the ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir has been tempered by ongoing instability and a lack of genuine democratic governance.

Women have been at the forefront of the protests that have shaped Sudan’s recent history, yet their representation in political processes remains minimal. This exclusion sends a clear message: the voices of women are often an afterthought in the corridors of power.

For true progress to be made, it is imperative that women are not only included but are leading the charge in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
More than 7,000 new mothers could die in the coming months if their nutritional and health needs remain unmet.

Cultural norms also pose significant obstacles. In many communities, traditional roles continue to dictate the lives of women, limiting their choices and perpetuating gender inequality. The challenge lies not just in changing laws but in shifting mindsets which is a task that requires collective action and the unwavering commitment of both men and women.

Amidst these challenges, there is a palpable sense of resilience and hope. Women in Sudan are organising, advocating, and demanding change with a fervour that is both inspiring and necessary.

Grassroots movements are emerging, creating networks of support that transcend geographical and social boundaries. The international community must recognise and support these efforts, not only in rhetoric but through tangible actions that empower women on the ground.

Sudan’s post-independence history has been a violent cycle of military coups followed by short-lived democratic hopes, and each time women have been at the forefront of the resistance, harnessing their collective righteous anger and demanding change.

To understand the role of Sudanese women in the struggle against military rule, it is important to look back at the history of the women’s movement in Sudan. Women have been organising and forming groups to resist colonisation and fight for their rights since the late 19th century.

The formation of the Sudanese Women’s Union (SWU) in 1952 marked a turning point in the women’s movement, as it aligned itself with the anti-colonial struggle. However, the development of an organic women’s movement was impeded by the political landscape in Sudan.

Within the women fighting unimaginable battles now, there lies a legacy of resistance in their DNA. Sudanese women who fought against Khartoum’s militarism for decades laid the foundations for Sudan’s ongoing revolution.
Reports reveal that Sudanese women are overwhelmed, under-resourced, and overburdened.

Approximately 19 million school-aged children have been driven out of the classroom over the past year due to violence, displacement, and the government’s failure to pay teachers and other staff. The U.N. has cautioned that this situation could lead Sudan to experience one of the most severe learning crises globally.

The longer these children remain out of school, the greater the likelihood of enduring losses in their earning potential, which poses significant consequences for Sudan’s socioeconomic future.

Urgent action is needed to de-escalate the conflict, enable unrestricted humanitarian access and address famine risks.

As we peel back the layers of this complex situation, we must confront the stark truth: the resilience and plights of Sudanese women are not just stories of survival; they are calls to action.

It’s time to amplify their voices, shed light on their plight, and stand in solidarity with those fighting for a future. This is a crucial moment to recognise that the fight for women’s rights in Sudan is not just a local issue, but a global imperative that echoes the very essence of our shared humanity.
We must not look away.

Shining a spotlight: Several networks are working at different levels to end the war, such as the Women Against War network and the Mothers of Sudan campaign.

“These groups document violations, monitor the situation, advocate for peace, and exert pressure on the international community and other parties to support a resolution and achieve peace.

They also provide support to affected families, offer shelter to the displaced, facilitate the evacuation of those trapped in Khartoum and provide medical services.

UN Women in Sudan advocates for women and girls by addressing violence, providing humanitarian assistance, and promoting peace and security.