Maysaa Al-Qadi

Sudan- The conflict that started between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan on April 15, 2023 continues, causing the country to face the world's biggest humanitarian crisis affecting women and girls the most. The ongoing war in Sudan has killed and injured thousands, displacing more than 14 million people. So far, thousands of women and girls have been subjected to all forms of violence, kidnapped and raped. Most of the raped women have committed suicide or attempted suicide, according to the human rights organizations.

 Despite all the challenges, Sudanese women have managed to survive. Some develop projects to achieve their economic independence. The story of Islam Sirr Al-Khatim is one of the successful stories of Sudanese women.

‘Women should be supported’

After graduating from the College of Engineering, she looked for a job for a long time; however, she could not find one. Therefore, she decided to start her own business to earn a living. She attended courses to learn how to make perfume. However, the conflict that started in 2023 prevented her from realizing her project. After being displaced to Sudan's Northern State, she began to make soap with a group of people. Although she suffered from the lack of materials and money, she managed to realize her project and market her soap. “I attended courses and workshops to learn how to make soap. At the beginning, I faced problems in distribution and marketing of my products. I also faced difficulties in finding packing supplies and raw materials,” Islam Sirr Al-Khatim told us, calling on the authorities to offer vocational training programs for women. “Women should be supported.”

The story of Saudi Duaa Khaled, a medical student, is not different from the story of Islam Sirr Al-Khatim. Her talent in painting encouraged her to develop her own project. She produces and sells souvenirs. “While continuing my education, I also produce souvenirs to earn a living. I sell my products online. I have turned my hobby into a business.”

Speaking about the challenges faced by her, she said, “I did not have a printing or packaging machine. I did not even have paper. Now, I have my own machine but I suffer from the ongoing power outages. I distribute my products in remote areas and villages.”

‘In every dark cave there is always a bright side too’

Speaking about the situation of people displaced by the war, she said, “Displaced people struggle to survive by starting small projects to earn a living. In every dark cave, there is always a bright side too.”

Saudi Duaa Khaled also called on women and girls not to “give up. I had nothing but managed to start my own business. Now, I import raw materials from abroad. They should not wait to get started.”