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As Sudan’s devastating conflict enters its third year, women—who make up more than half of the 12 million people displaced—are bearing the brunt of the war. The demand for gender-based violence services surged by nearly 300% in 2024 alone, underscoring the toll the conflict has taken on women and girls. Yet, despite their deep involvement in responding to the crisis, Sudanese women continue to be shut out of formal peace negotiations.
This exclusion is not new. Women led the charge during Sudan’s 2018–2019 revolution, organizing and mobilizing on the frontlines for change. But when the time came for political dialogue, they were sidelined. History repeated itself in 2023 during the Jeddah peace talks—there wasn’t a single woman at the table.
Still, Sudanese women are not silent. They are organizing across the country and the region, pushing for a seat at the table. The Peace for Sudan Platform, formed in response to the 2023 escalation, brings together 49 women-led organizations to collectively demand change. With backing from UN Women, the African Union (AU), IGAD, and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), the platform has made its presence felt in key peace dialogues—from Uganda to Geneva.
One of their major milestones is the Kampala Feminist Declaration, adopted in July 2024. This document calls for 50% representation of women in all peace processes and has helped establish a technical committee to ensure women’s voices shape Sudan’s future.
“Sudanese women are central to shaping a peaceful future,” says Aisha Hamad, Director of Partners in Development Services and a platform member. Her organization is one of many providing critical services to women impacted by the conflict—from displacement to sexual violence.
But inclusion must go beyond lip service. “Past peace processes and agreements have failed because they ignored core issues like gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and justice for women,” Aisha adds. She and others stress the need for meaningful involvement—not tokenism. The 2020 Juba Peace Agreement had strong gender provisions, but its promises weren’t kept in subsequent negotiations.
Israa Dawood, another platform member, is working across national and international forums to elevate Sudanese women’s voices. “We are paving the way for a women-led transformation in Sudan’s political and social landscape,” she says.
The call from Sudanese women is clear: they want legal reforms to criminalize all forms of sexual violence, dedicated support for survivors, and safe community spaces where women can access counselling, legal aid, and protection.
UN Women has already helped more than 60 women-led groups reach those in need, from setting up safe spaces to providing training and advocating for women’s inclusion in ceasefire talks.
As Idil Absiye, UN Women Policy Specialist for Women Peace and Security, East and Southern Africa puts it: “Sudan needs an immediate cessation of the conflict and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. “For sustainable peace and safety of women and girls, we need to urgently support women and local women’s organizations to participate in peace negotiations and peacebuilding. When women lead, peace lasts.”
