OUAGADOUGOU – Sudanese women are uniting to combat gender-based violence and advocate for peace and security amid the escalating conflict in Sudan. This movement is led by prominent activists like Alwya Baherldien, who have faced personal threats and challenges due to their involvement in peace efforts.
According to Africa Science News, Baherldien, the coordinator of Darfur Women Platform and a member of several United Nations resolution bodies, has been forced to seek refuge in Chad due to threats linked to the ongoing conflict. The conflict, which began on April 24, 2023, has caused over 1,000 deaths and 2,000 injuries in AI Geneina city in West Darfur, as reported by the Strategic Initiative for Women in The Horn of Africa (SIHA).
SIHA’s statement highlights 13 cases of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in AI Geneina, with further reports being limited due to communication challenges. Baherldien underscores the dire situation for women and girls in Sudan, who are increasingly vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse amidst poverty and hunger.
During an emotional interview in Nairobi, Baherldien recounted her harrowing journey to Chad and the losses suffered along the way. She emphasized the worsening conditions for women in Sudan, particularly after the recent attack on a previously safe area. Baherldien is attending a conference in Nairobi to collaborate with experts in seeking solutions to end the war.
SIHA reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are continuing to burn down AI Geneina, resulting in the shutdown of essential services and a drastic rise in the prices of basic commodities. The violence has severely impacted healthcare, with numerous deaths due to childbirth complications and the collapse of medical services.
Sudan’s conflict between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) began in April 2023 and has spread, causing grave human rights violations against women, including sexual violence, abduction, and forced labor. Even humanitarian organizations have faced attacks, disrupting their aid operations.
Sulaima Elkhalifa, General Director of the Transitional Government’s unit combating violence against women, described the situation as horrific, with women bearing a significant burden. Despite the documentation of only 136 cases of sexual violence, the actual number is believed to be much higher, affecting millions of women.
Hanna Tetteh, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa United Nations, encouraged Sudanese women to strengthen their voice in peace and security issues. She acknowledged the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict but stressed the importance of women’s leadership in the peace process and transitional justice.
The Feminist Peace and Solidarity Conference, themed ‘Women Leading Peace,’ is being held in Nairobi from November 22-23. This conference serves as a critical platform for addressing the crisis in Sudan and empowering women to lead peace efforts.