Women Office – Phase II, Addressing the immediate and long-term needs of women and girls affected by the conflict

  • Project Duration: Six Month
  • Report Date: January 2025
  • Localities: Bahri, Omdurman, Ombada, Karari, East Nile, Jabel Awlia, Khartoum

Introduction

the immediate and long-term needs of women and girls affected by the conflict.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has significantly impacted women and girls, particularly in Khartoum State, where the crisis has exacerbated vulnerabilities and disrupted access to essential services. In response to these challenges, the Khartoum State Women Response Office was launched to provide comprehensive support aimed at addressing

empowerment, and capacity-building activities to alleviate the hardships faced by women, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

This report outlines the outcomes of the second phase of the project, which focused on seven key localities within Khartoum State: Bahri, Omdurman, Ombada, Karari, East Nile, Jabel Awlia, and Khartoum. With a multi-sectoral approach, the project aimed to provide psychosocial support, health services, economic

Through targeted interventions, the project not only aimed to meet the urgent needs of women and girls but also sought to empower them, preserve their dignity, and enhance their resilience during this critical time. By focusing on recovery and sustainability, this initiative has laid a foundation for rebuilding lives and fostering hope in communities ravaged by the ongoing crisis.

Executive Summary

The Khartoum State Women Response Office project, in its second phase, focused on enhancing the well-being of women in conflict-affected areas of Khartoum State, including Bahri, Omdurman, Ombada, Karari, East Nile, Jabel Awlia, and Khartoum. This phase supported 11,070 beneficiaries, primarily women and children, by addressing their primary critical needs in healthcare, psychosocial recovery, and economic empowerment.

Key interventions included distributing hygiene kits, implementing income-generating initiatives such as soap-making and henna crafting, and providing essential maternal and child healthcare services. Additionally, the project facilitated skills training for 1,300 women, equipping them with practical tools to generate income and support their families during the ongoing crisis.

The second phase achieved notable successes, including direct support for over 1,500 women through psychosocial counseling, improved access to health services for

1,000 women, and strengthened economic independence for many women who participated in income-generating activities. However, several challenges impacted project implementation, including security risks, logistical barriers, and market instability, which led to some delays in activities and the need for adaptive strategies to overcome these hurdles.

Impact

The Khartoum State Women Response Office project has made significant strides in improving the lives of women and children across Khartoum State, particularly in the six localities of Bahri, Omdurman, Ombada, Karari, East Nile, Jabel Awlia, and Khartoum. The second phase of the project delivered tangible outcomes that helped mitigate the hardships faced by women due to ongoing conflict and displacement. The primary impacts were seen in the areas of healthcare, psychosocial support, economic empowerment, and community resilience.

1. Healthcare and Wellbeing: A total of 1,000 women received essential maternal and child healthcare services, significantly improving health outcomes in the targeted localities. In Omdurman, the highest number of beneficiaries were registered due to the area’s dense population and heightened vulnerability during the conflict. Healthcare interventions included pre-natalcare, post-natalcare, and vaccination drives, which played a pivotal role in reducing maternal and child mortality. These efforts helped ensure that women and children received timely healthcare services, despite the challenges posed by disrupted healthcare infrastructure in conflict zones.

2. Psychosocial Support: The psychosocial support program reached over 1,500 women across the targeted localities. In Bahri and Ombada, where displacement numbers were high, the psychosocial support sessions became a crucial aspect of the project. These sessions offered counseling and coping strategies for women dealing with trauma, displacement, and loss. The local communities were encouraged to actively participate in these support groups, fostering a sense of solidarity and emotional resilience. The program successfully addressed the mental health needs of women, providing them with tools to manage stress and trauma.

3. Economic Empowerment: Economic empowerment was a key focus of the project, with over 1,300 women participating in skills training programs. Karari and Jabel Awlia, where many women have limited access to income-generating opportunities, benefited the most from initiatives such as soap-making workshops and henna crafting sessions. These income-generating activities helped women create their own small businesses, which not only increased their financial independence but also contributed to the local economy. Furthermore, a micro-grant program was established, directly benefiting 200 women, enabling them to expand their businesses and secure their livelihoods.

4. Distribution of Hygiene Kits and Essentials: The distribution of hygiene kits was particularly impactful in East Nile and Khartoum, where women living in shelters or informal settlements faced extreme hardship. Over 2,000 women received hygiene kits that included sanitary pads, soap, and other essential items that directly improved personal hygiene and prevented the spread of disease. In East Nile, where access to such supplies was limited due to the conflict, this intervention was vital in addressing the basic health needs of women, improving their dignity and quality of life.

5. Community Resilience and Social Cohesion: The emphasis on community-building and volunteerism was evident in all six localities. In Omdurman and Karari, local women played an active role in coordinating and distributing relief efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment within their communities. These efforts helped strengthen social cohesion and the overall resilience of the women in the face of ongoing challenges, including displacement and limited resources. Many of these women are now engaged as community leaders, further perpetuating the sustainability of the project’s impact.

Challenges

  1. Access and Security Issues: Ongoing conflict and insecurity in areas such as East Nile and Omdurman hindered movement and access to beneficiaries. Security restrictions delayed the distribution of essential supplies like hygiene kits and healthcare services, limiting the reach of the project.
  2. Resource Constraints and Logistics: Logistical issues such as delayed shipments of materials and limited infrastructure in areas like Karari and Jabel Awlia delayed the execution of skills training programs and healthcare services, causing interruptions in planned activities.
  3. Inconsistent Community Engagement: In areas like Ombada and Karari, initial reluctance from local women to participate in activities such as skills training and psychosocial support groups posed challenges. Cultural barriers and a lack of trust in external organizations contributed to low early engagement levels.
  4. Limited Financial Resources: The available budget was stretched thin due to the unexpectedly high number of women needing assistance, especially in more populous localities like Omdurman and Khartoum. This financial constraint impacted the scope and quality of some services provided under the project.
  5. Cultural and Socioeconomic Barriers: Women in rural areas like Jabel Awlia faced challenges due to traditional gender roles and limited mobility. This restricted their ability to engage fully in the project’s offerings, particularly in skills workshops or taking on leadership roles in the community.
  6. Sustainability of Impact: While the project achieved success in the short term, there were concerns about the long-term sustainability of its impact. In particular, women struggled to scale their businesses and activities without continued external support, indicating a need for more robust sustainability strategies.
  7. Data and Monitoring Challenges: We faced difficulties in collecting accurate data, especially in remote areas with unstable internet access. Inadequate monitoring and reporting systems limited the project’s ability to track progress effectively and make necessary adjustments during implementation.

Lessons Learned

  1. Flexibility in Project Design: Projects must be designed with the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, particularly in conflict zones. Ensuring that activities can be adjusted based on security and logistical challenges is essential for maintaining relevance and effectiveness.
  2. Community Involvement from the Start: Engaging local communities and leaders early in the project is key to overcoming resistance and ensuring participation. Building trust through community-driven initiatives will increase long-term engagement and the success of the project.
  3. Diversification of Funding Sources: In order to ensure financial sustainability, future projects should diversify funding sources. Exploring alternative funding avenues such as crowdfunding, local business partnerships, and in-kind donations will provide additional resources for expanding and sustaining the program
  4. Improving Data Collection and Monitoring Systems: The use of offline data collection tools and the implementation of a more adaptable monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system is critical. Ensuring that data can be collected in real-time and analyzed effectively will allow for better decision-making and improvements to project activities.
  5. Targeted Cultural Sensitivity: Addressing cultural and gender-based barriers is crucial for ensuring that women fully participate in project activities. Tailoring interventions to be culturally sensitive and engaging men and youth in the conversation around gender equality will help break down societal barriers and promote greater inclusion.
  6. Sustainability Strategies: For the long-term impact of the project, incorporating business incubation and mentorship programs can help women sustain and grow their businesses. Additionally, building local partnerships with businesses and financial institutions can provide continued support to women beyond the project’s lifespan.
  7. Enhanced Localized Training and Capacity Building: Providing localized training for community leaders and local volunteers will improve the reach and sustainability of the project. By developing the capacity of local stakeholders, the project can ensure its ongoing impact and reduce reliance on external resources.

Activity Breakdown

The project range of activities that was implemented aimed at addressing the immediate and long-term needs of women and children in conflict-affected areas. The main activities undertaken on this phase:

1. Distribution of Essential Supplies

  • Hygiene Kits: Distributed sanitary pads, diapers, and personal hygiene products to women and children, reaching 6,596 beneficiaries across seven localities.
  • Maternal and Child Health Items: Provided maternity kits, baby milk, and diapers to support pregnant women and young children.
  • Chronic Disease Medications: Delivered essential meds to 15 women with chronic illnesses.

2. Psychosocial Support

  • Conducted group therapy sessions for over 1,500 women to address trauma and mental health challenges resulting from the conflict.
  • Organized psychological support activities in safe spaces to foster recovery and emotional well-being.

3. Income-Generating Initiatives

  • Soap-Making and Henna Crafting: Trained 1,300 women in practical skills to enable them to generate income and support their families.
  • Supported women in establishing small-scale businesses to boost economic independence.

4. Capacity-Building Workshops

  • Delivered workshops focused on health, hygiene, and financial literacy, equipping women with the knowledge and tools to navigate challenges effectively.

5. Child-Focused Activities

  • Provided educational and recreational opportunities, such as sports and scientific competitions, for children in safe spaces, reaching 1,020 children under the age of 18.
  • Distributed school supplies and meals to support children’s education and well-being.

Recommendations and Next Steps

Building on the outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned from the second phase of the Khartoum project, the following combined recommendations and future steps are proposed to ensure enhanced impact and sustainability:

  1. Expand Coverage and Reach
    1. Extend Activities: Broaden project scope to include underserved areas in Khartoum State and other conflict-affected regions to support more women and children.
    2. Focus on Vulnerable Groups: Prioritize marginalized populations, including individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
  2. 2. Strengthen Psychosocial and Health Interventions
    1. Mental Health Services: Train local counselors and establish additional safe spaces to improve access to mental health care.
    2. Healthcare Expansion: Provide reproductive health support, vaccination campaigns, and chronic disease management to address critical health needs.
  3. Deepen Economic Empowerment
    1. Skills Training: Scale up income-generating initiatives such as soap-making, tailoring, and agriculture to empower women economically.
    2. Microfinance Schemes: Develop women-led microfinance programs to support small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures.
  4. Enhance Volunteer and Staff Support
    1. Safety Protocols: Provide risk mitigation training and security protocols to protect volunteers working in high-risk areas.
    2. Sustained Incentives: Continue offering financial and logistical support to maintain volunteer engagement and operational efficiency.
  5. Implement Advanced Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
    1. Real-Time Tracking: Develop a digital system to monitor activities, collect beneficiary feedback, and track resource allocation in real-time.
    2. Regular Assessments: Conduct periodic evaluations to measure project effectiveness and refine strategies for improvement.
  6. Advocate for Policy and Systemic Support
    1. Volunteer Protection: Lobby for stronger protections for humanitarian workers to ensure their safety and reduce risks of harassment or violence.
    2. Promote Gender Equity: Collaborate with policymakers to address systemic challenges affecting women’s health, safety, and economic opportunities.
  7. Sustainability Focus
    1. Foster community ownership by creating cooperatives and women-led enterprises to ensure long-term economic independence.
    2. Integrate environmental sustainability practices into income-generating projects, such as recycling and eco-friendly production.