On this somber anniversary of the outbreak of civil war in Sudan, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) stands in solidarity with our Sudanese partners—particularly the women leaders who are working tirelessly to bring peace and hope to their communities amidst unimaginable hardship.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises. Often underreported, the war has claimed over 150,000 lives and displaced nearly 14 million people.
Women and girls bear the brunt of this violence. They face widespread sexual and gender-based violence alongside severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and access to healthcare. In Darfur, mass atrocities—including sexual violence and ethnic targeting by the RSF—have been recognized as acts of genocide. Survivors not only struggle to access aid but also confront stigma and trauma that endure long after the violence ends.
The situation has been worsened by the US freeze in foreign assistance. As the largest donor to Sudan, the withdrawal of USAID support has left millions—especially displaced women and children—without critical resources.
In the face of these staggering challenges, Sudanese women continue to lead on the frontlines of peacebuilding. Over 60 women-led groups across the country are creating avenues for Sudanese women to participate in political processes in order to demand an end to the war, protection for civilians, and accountability for atrocities.
At a convening hosted by GIWPS in 2024, Sudanese women leaders outlined clear recommendations to end the conflict, including calling for a ceasefire, including women in peace negotiations, and delivering justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
As we mark two years of war, we call on the international community to act with urgency—to support civilian protection, fully restore humanitarian aid, and ensure that Sudanese women are not sidelined in peace efforts.
GIWPS remains steadfast in our commitment to amplifying Sudanese women’s voices and advancing their leadership. In the months ahead, we will continue to work with our partners to spotlight their recommendations, support their advocacy, and press for accountability and action.
Investing in women-led responses is not only the right thing to do—it is one of the most effective ways to build peace and resilience from the ground up. Sudanese women are already leading the way; the world must move quickly and resolutely to support them.
