Sudan's women forced to risk drone attacks by day, sexual violence by night to fetch water

Host community women fetch water at a newly constructed water distribution point in Blue Nile State, Sudan. (Photo: IOM)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Friday, July 24, 2026

Listen to article

4 min listen

Audio reading is not supported on this browser.

Ready

Thanks for listening. Continue with a related story, or tap the speaker icon on the next page to listen.

Nearly 4.7 million Sudanese return home as security improves - IOM report

Bashir Mbuthia · 20 hours ago

Latest Stories

According to UN Women, the violence reported in El Obeid is not an isolated case but part of a broader pattern seen across Sudan since the conflict began in April 2023. The agency added that the number of women and girls needing gender-based violence services has quadrupled during that period to an estimated 12.7 million this year.

As the number of survivors grows, the organisations providing support are finding it harder to keep their services running. UN Women said funding cuts have forced many women-led groups to reduce or close safe spaces and other gender-based violence services, leaving survivors with fewer places to turn for help.

“Two-thirds of women’s organisations surveyed by UN Women in Sudan report that safe spaces and gender-based violence services have either closed or been significantly reduced in their communities,” said the agency.

“Half of the organisations surveyed report that, without urgent financial support, they expect to suspend their operations or close entirely within the next year.”

Against that backdrop, UN Women renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire and safe, unhindered humanitarian access across Sudan. It also urged all parties to protect women and girls, hold those responsible for abuses accountable, and ensure survivors have access to justice and support.

“Women must be fully, safely, and meaningfully included in peace processes, humanitarian decision-making, and recovery efforts. Increased investment in women-led organisations is essential, as they remain among the last lifelines for women and girls across Sudan,” the agency said.