Gender-Based Violence Units to Hold Forum in Khartoum

Gender-Based Violence Units for Women and Children will hold their first forum in the capital, Khartoum, since the outbreak of the conflict tomorrow (Sunday), with the aim of developing a national action plan to strengthen rapid response mechanisms.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says that 12.3 million women and girls are at risk of gender-based violence in 2026, an increase of 80 percent compared with 2024.

Amira Al-Azhari, an official with the Women and Child Protection Unit under the Ministry of Social Welfare, said in a press statement today (Saturday) that “state-level units will hold the national forum tomorrow (Sunday), with the participation of heads and staff of the units from all states of Sudan.”

Girls are facing high levels of gender-based violence, including early and forced marriage, sexual exploitation, and harassment, as well as informal work under harsh conditions as a result of increasing economic pressures on families.

Amira Al-Azhari explained that the forum aims to unify perspectives, assess the performance of state-level units, and discuss various issues related to the protection of women and children under the current circumstances.