Stories of Strength in Displacement: Women’s Voices from Al-Gadaref, Sudan

Al-Gadaref State in eastern Sudan has become a primary destination for people displaced by conflict, particularly women and children. While relatively more stable than other parts of the country, the state faces mounting pressure on basic services and socioeconomic infrastructure as displaced populations settle across camps, collective shelters, and host communities.  

Socially and psychologically, displaced women face significant challenges integrating into new communities and navigating unfamiliar cultural environments. Many have experienced direct or indirect exposure to violence, contributing to elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related distress. Limited trust in formal support systems deepens their isolation.  

Sudanese women have played critical roles throughout the conflict as caregivers, human rights defenders, advocates, service providers, community leaders, and survivors. Yet their experiences and contributions remain consistently underrepresented in formal accounts of the crisis, which tend to prioritize military and political narratives. 

Showcasing seven powerful stories of women displaced in Al-Gadaref, this research seeks to illuminate the gendered impact of conflict, while also portraying the resilience and willpower of the women to keep going and showing up.