Asik SyedSudan is now the epicenter of the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis. Since the civil war broke out in April 2023, nearly half the population has been plunged into hunger. More than 25 million people are in desperate need of humanitarian aid. As violence continues, millions have been uprooted from their homes, and among them, women and girls face heightened risks—from hunger to gender-based violence.
Origins of the Conflict
On April 15, 2023, simmering tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces erupted into full-scale war. What began in Khartoum quickly spread across the country, engulfing regions such as Darfur in bloodshed. At least 20,000 people have been killed, though experts believe the actual toll is far higher. Over 8 million have been displaced internally, and an additional 4 million have fled to neighboring nations.
Impact of Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian toll is staggering. In August 2024, famine was officially declared in the Zamzam camp in North Darfur. Since then, the crisis has spilled into ten more regions, with 17 others teetering on the edge. The World Food Programme (WFP) reports critical food shortages, with many areas under siege and cut off from life-saving aid deliveries.
Women and Girls Under Siege
The war’s impact on women and girls has been particularly devastating. Over 12 million now face the threat of gender-based violence—used as a brutal tactic of war. With healthcare systems collapsing, access to maternal and reproductive health services has all but vanished. Displaced and isolated, women find themselves in a battle for survival on multiple fronts.
Agents of Change Amid the Chaos
Despite unimaginable hardships, Sudanese women are stepping up as frontline responders and advocates for peace. They are demanding equal representation in peace talks—calling for a 50% stake at the negotiation table. Women-led groups, often working in partnership with UN Women, are providing essential legal, mental health, and support services in the hardest-hit areas.
Global Response and the Funding Gap
Humanitarian organizations are ramping up their efforts, but funding remains a critical barrier. The WFP currently assists over 3 million people each month but requires an additional $650 million to maintain operations. UN Women is also urging international donors to support grassroots, women-led initiatives, warning that a lack of sustainable funding could allow the crisis to spiral further out of control.
The Road Ahead
As conflict rages on, access to food, healthcare, and protection remains perilously limited. The people of Sudan—especially women and girls—are bearing the brunt of this catastrophe. The global community must act swiftly and decisively to address the escalating needs and help pave a path toward peace and recovery.
Neha Baruah
