Women’s Group Calls for Urgent Humanitarian Access in Sudan’s Kordofan
The Women Advisory Group for Humanitarian Work in Sudan has called for urgent humanitarian action in the Kordofan region, warning that the worsening conflict is having devastating consequences for women and girls.
In a statement dated Sept. 15, the group said ongoing armed conflict, expanding displacement, collapsing basic services and limited access to markets and humanitarian assistance had deepened the crisis in North, West and South Kordofan.
Women and girls are bearing a disproportionate burden, the group said, as they struggle to support and protect their families amid deteriorating security and living conditions.
The advisory group highlighted growing threats, including attacks on major cities, drone strikes and prolonged blockades of several towns, which it said had made access to basic services, protection and livelihoods increasingly difficult.
The group identified several key challenges facing women and girls, including rising risks of gender-based violence, insecurity in shelters and attacks during displacement. It also raised concerns about weak protection and response services for survivors.
Food insecurity and the loss of livelihoods have worsened as food prices rise and access to markets, agricultural land and income sources is disrupted, the statement said. Women farmers and herders have been particularly affected, while malnutrition among mothers and children has increased.
The group also reported the collapse of health services, including maternal and reproductive health care, amid shortages of medicines and medical personnel, disease outbreaks and rising civilian casualties.
Displacement and the destruction of infrastructure have contributed to widespread school dropouts among girls, increasing their exposure to early and forced marriage, it said.
The advisory group further criticized the limited involvement of women and girls in humanitarian response planning, peace efforts and dialogue processes, despite their role in community resilience and peacebuilding.
It called for the immediate establishment of open, secure and unconditional humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to all areas of Greater Kordofan.
The group urged authorities, humanitarian agencies and donors to prioritize funding for health, education and protection services for women, children and other vulnerable groups. It also called for stronger protection in shelters and comprehensive services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Other recommendations included the meaningful involvement of local women’s organizations and leaders in humanitarian planning, implementation and monitoring, as well as ensuring women’s participation in all peace and dialogue processes concerning the region’s future.
The group also urged support for affected women through grants, cash-based assistance and improved access to production resources and markets.
It called for gender-sensitive approaches throughout humanitarian response planning and implementation, and greater support for women-led initiatives in early recovery and peacebuilding.
“Investing in the women of Kordofan is an investment in the region’s future,” the group said, emphasizing that a sustainable response to the crisis requires listening to, protecting and empowering women in decision-making.
