Addressing Sexual Violence Against Women Amid Sudan’s War
As conflict devastates Sudan, sexual violence against women is reaching alarming levels.
Amidst Sudan's war, women are coming forward to speak about the sexual violence they have endured because of it. Photo by Ola Alsheikh via Wikimedia Commons
In Sudan’s ongoing civil war, women and girls have become primary targets of brutal sexual violence, with armed groups exploiting the chaos to commit widespread assaults.
The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has exacerbated gender-based violence, leaving survivors traumatized and without access to justice or care.
Sexual violence is increasingly used as a weapon of war in Sudan. The United Nations estimates that over 10.2 million people have been displaced, many of them women and children, and sexual assault has become a common weapon used by warring factions to instill fear, as well as humiliate and control communities.
These disturbing patterns continue to emerge amidst the country's already fragile healthcare system. According to the UN Refugee Agency, nearly three-quarters of health facilities are out of service and two-thirds of the population lacks access to health care.
In October 2024, the UN released a report that said since the conflict began, at least 400 survivors of conflict-related sexual violence have been documented up to July 2024, with the actual figure suspected to be much higher.
Recently, activists reported that several women in Gezira state, victims of sexual violence at the hands of paramilitary fighters, tragically took their own lives. These deaths highlight the profound psychological toll of sexual assault in a context where survivors face social stigma, rejection and a lack of support. The crisis is growing, and the need for immediate intervention is more urgent than ever.
Several refugees recounted their stories, including women finding food for their families, who were expected to engage in sexual activities with the men who killed their family members. They also reported that even young girls were victims of sexual violence. Without access to justice, healthcare or support, the survivors are left to cope in isolation, often with little hope of rebuilding their lives.
The international community must respond swiftly and decisively. Activists argue that beyond humanitarian aid, which is desperately needed, global leaders and international courts must hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that survivors receive the care, protection, and justice they deserve. Failure to act will only further entrench gender inequality and perpetuate cycles of violence in Sudan, with consequences for generations to come.
The women of Sudan, though battered and silenced by war, have remained a testament to resilience. However, it can only go so far without a genuine commitment to peace, justice and support. It is time for the world to step in — not just as passive observers, but as active participants in restoring dignity and humanity to those who have suffered too much.