Women Face Severe Hunger Crisis in Sudan Amid Ongoing Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has now surpassed 1,000 days, has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting women. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), female-headed households are disproportionately impacted, with three-quarters reporting inadequate food supplies. This situation highlights the increasing gendered nature of hunger in the country, exacerbated by pre-existing inequalities.

The Straits Times

The conflict in Sudan has intensified since the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control of the city of al-Fashir in late October 2023. This takeover followed an 18-month siege, resulting in the displacement of over 100,000 individuals. The situation in al-Fashir, along with Kadugli—a city in southern Sudan—has reached critical levels, with both facing famine conditions. The United Nations has called for urgent international assistance to address the dire needs in these regions.

The Straits Times

Currently, more than 21 million people in Sudan are classified as acutely food insecure, with a total of 34 million individuals requiring humanitarian support. This includes approximately 17 million children, underscoring the severe impact of the crisis on the youngest and most vulnerable populations.

The Straits Times

Jens Laerke, spokesperson for OCHA, emphasized the alarming trend of increasing food insecurity among female-headed households, stating, "Hunger is becoming increasingly gendered." He noted that these households are three times more likely to experience food shortages compared to their male counterparts. The U.N. agencies are advocating for immediate international action to provide aid to the affected cities, particularly al-Fashir and Kadugli.

Reuters

U.N. Women has raised concerns regarding the heightened risk of sexual violence faced by women as they search for food amidst the conflict. This perspective highlights the multifaceted challenges women encounter during the humanitarian crisis, which extends beyond mere food insecurity.

Reuters

OCHA is working towards making Sudan the first country to sign an agreement with the United States to access part of the $2 billion in assistance pledged at the end of December 2023. This initiative aims to facilitate the delivery of much-needed aid to the regions most affected by the conflict and food shortages.

The Straits Times

While the U.N. reports significant food insecurity and humanitarian needs, there is a lack of updated information regarding the conditions in al-Fashir following the recent access by international aid staff in December. Further details on the effectiveness of the proposed aid agreements remain to be clarified.

The Straits Times

• “Female-headed households are now three times more likely to be food insecure. Three quarters of these households report not having enough to eat,” — Jens Laerke, Spokesperson, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

The Straits Times

• “Hunger is becoming increasingly gendered,” — Jens Laerke, Spokesperson, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

The Straits Times