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On this International Women’s Day, The African Centre for
Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) stands in solidarity with the women and girls
of Sudan who continue to bear the devastating consequences of ongoing armed
conflict. While International Women’s Day is meant to celebrate progress toward
gender equality, Sudanese women are facing one of the gravest humanitarian and
human rights crises in the world today.
Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, women and girls in
Sudan have been disproportionately affected by violence, displacement, and
systemic abuse. Sudan is currently experiencing the world’s largest
displacement crisis, with approximately 11.4 million people displaced
internally and an additional 3 million forced to flee to neighboring countries.
More than half of those displaced are women and girls, many of whom now live in
overcrowded camps and informal shelters with limited access to food, clean
water, healthcare, and protection.
Across displacement sites and communities affected by the
conflict, women and girls face alarming levels of sexual harassment,
exploitation, and violence. Humanitarian reports estimate that more than 12
million people in Sudan are at risk of gender‑based violence, including conflict‑related
sexual violence. Survivors frequently face stigma and limited access to
reporting mechanisms, medical services, or psychosocial support.
Women and girls in camps and shelters are particularly
vulnerable when carrying out daily tasks such as collecting water, food, or
firewood. The collapse of community protection systems and security structures
has further exposed women and girls to harassment, intimidation, and abuse.
The conflict has also created a profound education crisis
for girls. Across Sudan, millions of children have lost access to education due
to school closures, destruction of infrastructure, and displacement. It is
estimated that more than 16.5 million school‑aged children are currently out of
school, while more than 2.5 million school‑aged girls have been unable to
return to classrooms. Among displaced populations, approximately 74 percent of
school‑aged
girls are now out of school, increasing the risk of early marriage, child
labor, and exploitation.
Women in Sudan are also facing direct targeting amid the
conflict. ACJPS recently reported that at least 643 women are arbitrarily
detained in the Korea Prison in Nyala, South Darfur. Many are civilians accused
of collaborating with opposing factions. They are held without formal charges
or access to legal counsel and are kept in harsh conditions with scarce food,
water, and medical support.
Beyond the battlefield and detention facilities, Sudanese
women continue to suffer under discriminatory laws that undermine their rights
and dignity. Sudan’s Criminal Act of 1991 contains provisions that allow
punishments such as death by stoning for adultery. In February 2026, Sudanese
courts sentenced two women to death by stoning for alleged adultery,
highlighting the persistence of laws that violate Sudan’s international human
rights obligations and disproportionately target women.
As the war continues, Sudanese women face a triple burden:
conflict‑related violence, displacement and humanitarian
hardship, and a legal system that fails to protect their fundamental rights.
Women in displacement camps often become the primary caregivers and
breadwinners for their families while navigating insecurity, hunger, and lack
of access to essential services.
Those who flee into exile face additional challenges, including
economic vulnerability, discrimination, and limited access to education and
livelihoods.
On this International Women’s Day, the international
community must recognize that Sudanese women are not only victims of war but
also survivors, leaders, and caregivers who continue to sustain their families
and communities despite immense hardship.
We therefore call upon;
All parties to the conflict to immediately end violations
against women and girls, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and
arbitrary detention.
• Authorities responsible for detention facilities to
immediately release women arbitrarily detained and ensure humane treatment.
Sudanese authorities to repeal discriminatory laws,
including provisions that allow death by stoning and other cruel punishments.
The international community, including the United Nations
and the African Union, should scale up protection services for survivors of
gender‑based
violence and expand access to education for displaced girls.
Donors and humanitarian organizations to prioritize safe
learning spaces, psychosocial support, and protection mechanisms for women and
girls affected by the conflict.