According to recent data, a staggering 75% of female-headed households in Sudan struggle to meet basic food needs. Food insecurity among these households has nearly doubled in the past year. Just 1.9% of women-led households are food secure, compared to 5.9% for their male counterparts. Additionally, 73% of women nationwide lack minimum dietary diversity, threatening both maternal and child health.
This situation isn’t just about food. It highlights deeper issues of gender inequality, especially as more women take on the role of family provider due to conflicts that remove male family members from the picture. With limited access to food, income, and aid, they face many challenges.
“Conditions are nearing famine levels in parts of the country,” says Salvator Nkurunziza, the UN Women Representative in Sudan. “This is not just a food crisis; it’s a gender emergency.” Women and girls are disproportionately affected. They not only have fewer resources, but they also face greater risks in this ongoing struggle for survival.
Amidst this crisis, women-led organizations (WLOs) are stepping in. They are running food kitchens and delivering meals to displaced families, often with little funding. One such organization, active in eight states, had to close over half of its kitchens due to resource shortages.
“Women aren’t just victims here; they are vital agents of change,” Nkurunziza adds. “WLOs are reaching those in need and saving lives, but they lack the financial support and decision-making power to make a greater impact.”
With the crisis deepening, UN Women is ramping up help for these organizations. They are working alongside WLOs to provide mentorship and support, ensuring women have a seat at the table in humanitarian efforts.
UN Women urges humanitarian actors and donors to take specific actions:
- Focus on female-headed households and at-risk groups, especially pregnant and breastfeeding women and adolescent girls, when distributing food assistance.
- Support women-led initiatives by providing flexible and direct funding.
- Link food assistance to protection and recovery, addressing issues like gender-based violence and women’s livelihoods.
The ongoing crisis in Sudan shows how vital it is to address these issues now. The people of Sudan need stability and an end to hostilities. Engaging in inclusive peace dialogues is essential for restoring hope and human rights.
In a world where global crises seem overwhelming, we must remember that women are not just affected—they are essential to the solution. Supporting them can lead to real change.
For more information, you can explore the UN Women report on Sudan.
