Integrated Response for the Protection and Empowerment of Conflict-Affected Women and Girls in Sudan

This project responds to the significant increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) risks in Sudan due to ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and economic collapse. Women and girls, particularly those living in displacement sites and conflict-affected communities, face heightened exposure to violence, exploitation, and limited access to essential protection services. In addition to internally displaced women and girls and returnees, the broader protection context in Sudan indicates that men and boys are also exposed to various forms of violence and abuse in conflict-affected settings.

Particularly among young men and adolescent boys, reported risks include arbitrary detention, coercion, physical abuse, conflict-related sexual violence, and other forms of ill-treatment. Many are targeted based on perceived affiliation, ethnic identity, or accusations of collaboration with parties to the conflict. In some areas, newly imposed local measures and security practices have increased the risk of harassment, forced detention, and collective punishment.

Exposure to violence against family members, as well as witnessing severe incidents, has also contributed to significant psychological distress and social trauma among men and boys.

These protection risks are closely linked to the overall deterioration of the protective environment in Sudan, including weakened rule of law, limited access to justice, insecurity, and the collapse of community protection systems. Therefore, vulnerabilities are not limited to displacement status alone but reflect a broader context of systemic protection risks affecting entire communities. While this project primarily focuses on women and girls due to their heightened risk of Gender-Based Violence, prevention and community awareness activities will also engage men and boys as key stakeholders in reducing violence, promoting positive social norms, and strengthening community-based protection.The intervention targets vulnerable and marginalized women and girls in North Darfur, Khartoum, Al Jazira, Blue Nile, and Gedaref. The project will deliver multi-sectoral GBV services, including case management, individual and group psychosocial support, referrals to health and legal services, and sexual and reproductive health support through the establishment and operation of 12 safe spaces and a mobile outreach clinic.

The project will also implement large-scale prevention activities through community awareness sessions in 40 displacement and host community locations and distribute 10,000 dignity kits to address immediate needs related to menstrual hygiene and personal safety.

To strengthen sustainability and service quality, the project will build the capacity of community protection networks and frontline service providers. In addition, emergency cash assistance and small livelihood grants will be provided to the most vulnerable women to reduce economic dependency, a key driver of GBV risk.

The intervention adopts a survivor-centered, participatory approach that ensures the meaningful engagement of women and girls as decision-makers and partners in program design and implementation, while strengthening the role of local women-led organizations in humanitarian response.

Context and Needs Analysis

Sudan is currently facing one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises:

• 9.2 million internally displaced persons
• More than 12 million people in need of GBV services

There has been a sharp increase in:

• Domestic and intimate partner violence
• Conflict-related sexual violence
• Early and forced marriage
• Sexual exploitation and harassment

Service gaps include:

• Limited safe spaces
• Inadequate psychosocial support services
• Weak referral systems
• Shortage of trained personnel
• Restricted humanitarian access

Women and girls in displacement settings face additional risks due to overcrowding, lack of privacy, insecurity, and economic vulnerability.

Overall Objective

To improve protection, psychosocial well-being, and resilience of conflict-affected women and girls through integrated GBV prevention and response services.

Specific Objectives

1.    Improve access to safe, confidential, and quality GBV services.

2.    Reduce GBV risks through community-based prevention and awareness.

3.    Strengthen community protection systems and frontline service providers.

4.    Enhance economic resilience among the most vulnerable women.

Key Activities

1. Protection and Response Services

• Establish and operate 12 Women and Girls Safe Spaces
• Provide case management for 3,000 survivors
• Deliver individual and group psychosocial support
• Strengthen multi-sectoral referral pathways
• Operate a mobile outreach clinic for emergency cases
• Establish a complaints and feedback mechanism and hotline

2. Prevention and Awareness

• Conduct awareness sessions in 40 locations
• Raise awareness on GBV, PSEA, available services, and protection
• Distribute 10,000 dignity kits

3. Economic Empowerment

• Provide emergency cash assistance to 500 women
• Provide small livelihood grants to 200 women

4. Strengthening Local Systems

• Train 5 community protection committees
• Conduct community dialogue forums
• Train at least 100 frontline service providers (health workers, police, social workers)

Expected Results

• Increased access to GBV services for women and girls
• Improved psychosocial well-being and sense of safety
• Reduced GBV risks in targeted communities
• Increased community awareness and reduced stigma
• Strengthened community-based protection mechanisms
• Improved economic stability among highly vulnerable women

Logical Framework (Key Indicators)

Implementation Approach

The project will follow:

• Survivor-centered approach
• Do No Harm principles
• Confidentiality and safety standards
• Community participation and ownership
• Engagement of women and girls in program design
• Partnerships with local actors
• Deployment of local staff to ensure access and sustainability

Risks and Mitigation Measures