Sudan's Gender Situation Receives a Crisis Classification from the United Nations Amidst Intensifying Conflict
In the heart of Africa, Sudan is facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with over 30 million people in dire need of assistance amid ongoing conflict, displacement, and economic collapse. The plight of women and girls, however, stands out as particularly alarming.
Healthcare Collapse and Maternal Risk
Critical healthcare services have nearly collapsed, making it almost impossible for new mothers to access essential reproductive care. This puts their lives, as well as those of their babies, at serious risk.
Escalation of Gender-Based Violence
Reports of gender-based violence (GBV) are escalating, with intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation, abuse, and trafficking becoming increasingly prevalent. Survivors struggle to find support, and sexual violence is alarmingly prevalent, especially in conflict-affected areas like Darfur.
Economic Hardship and Vulnerability
Many women have lost their livelihoods due to the economic collapse, forcing some into exploitative situations and increasing their vulnerability. Women-led households are three times more likely to experience severe food insecurity compared to male-headed households, with 75% unable to meet basic food needs.
Displacement and Targeting of Civilians
The conflict has caused the largest displacement crisis in the world since the Syrian civil war, with millions internally displaced. Women and children bear the brunt of these displacements and are exposed to attacks and violence.
Insufficient Humanitarian Response and Risks for Aid Workers
Humanitarian efforts are ongoing but hampered by insecurity, funding shortages, and targeted attacks on aid infrastructure and workers, worsening access to assistance.
Despite these dire conditions, women are also acting as agents of change in Sudan by leading grassroots efforts to support displaced families and communities, although they remain largely excluded from decision-making processes.
In summary, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan remains one of the world’s worst as of mid-2025. Women and girls face exceptional vulnerabilities due to healthcare collapse, GBV, displacement, food insecurity, and economic marginalization. Urgent, gender-sensitive humanitarian action is critical to address their needs and protect their rights.
[1] UN Women, Amnesty International, International Rescue Committee, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports [2] UN Official Reports [3] UN Women Representative in Sudan, Salvator Nkurunziza statements [4] Sudanese Organisation for Research and Development (SORD) reports [5] Reports from Women for Women International and other humanitarian organisations operating in Sudan.
- Despite the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, there are stories of empowerment among women, as they lead grassroots initiatives to support displaced families and communities.
- The fashion industry, recognizing the urgent need for aid, has launched fundraising campaigns to support health-and-wellness organizations working in Sudan, focusing on maternal care and mental-health services.
- Celebrities, leveraging their platform for social impact, have also called for global attention towards the crisis, raising funds for women's health and general-news reporting on the situation in Sudan.
- In contrast to the dire situation, the science community has been collaborating on research-based solutions, developing innovative approaches for delivering essential medicines and medical supplies in war-and-conflicts affected areas, aiming to ensure equality in health care for all.
- Simultaneously, politics and crime-and-justice bodies are working to impose sanctions on conflict parties, hold war criminals accountable, and ensure the protection of aid workers operating in the region.
- In a broader effort to promote health and fitness, dance workshops and physical activities are being introduced in refugee camps as part of a comprehensive approach to women's health and mental-wellbeing.
- As part of the general-news coverage on Sudan, stories of resilience and women's accomplishments in the face of adversity serve as a reminder of the capacity for human empowerment and solidarity.
