A two-day workshop aimed at addressing digital violence and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) against Sudanese women refugees has opened in Kampala, bringing together survivors, activists, and regional stakeholders to document abuses and shape a collective call for justice.
The meeting, convened by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region – Regional Training Facility (ICGLR-RTF), aligns with the 2025 Global 16 Days of Activism theme focusing on ending online and offline violence against women and girls in conflict situations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Edith Namutebi Nsubuga, Head of the Regional Peace and Security Department at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the situation in Sudan as “an unprecedented, multi-layered assault” on women and girls.
“As Sudan enters its third year of conflict, women continue to bear the highest burden,” she said. “We are witnessing mass rapes, sexual slavery, and widespread intimidation, both physically and digitally.”
Ms. Nsubuga noted that digital targeting of Sudanese women—including doxxing and online threats—has intensified, even after many fled to neighboring countries. “The violence has followed them across borders,” she added.
Recent reports indicate that 12.1 million females in Sudan—25% of the female population—are at risk of sexual and gender-based violence, with 288% more cases reported in the latest assessments, illustrating a dramatic surge.
Three Key Objectives
The Kampala workshop seeks to achieve three outcomes:
- Document and Empower: Record cases of digital violence, CRSV, and related protection threats.
- Build Accountability: Connect Sudanese women’s testimonies to regional, continental, and global protection mechanisms.
- Deliver Policy Action: Draft and adopt a “Sudan Women’s 16 Days of Activism Against GBV Resolution” to be presented at the African Union’s 6th High-Level Women, Peace and Security Forum in Tunisia next week.
“These deliberations will inform discussions at the African Union,” Ms. Nsubuga emphasized. “Your voices will be carried to continental decision-makers.”
International consultant Ms. Dora Byamukama underscored the link between conflict, lawlessness, and high levels of sexual violence.
“Sexual violence is repeatedly weaponized during conflict to destroy communities,” she said. “The Sudan crisis has persisted for decades and risks being forgotten. It is time to address its root causes and ensure women are central to peacebuilding.”
She called on regional leaders to urgently support a peaceful settlement and to prioritize justice for survivors.
Participants at the workshop included Sudanese refugees who fled Khartoum, Darfur, Kordofan, and Al Jazira. Many recounted ongoing digital harassment and threats from armed groups.
Ms. Rayan Abdallah Mohamed, a health officer from Darfur, said the meeting provided a vital platform to highlight the insecurity faced by Sudanese women.
“Girls and women remain at extreme risk,” she said. “We need peace immediately. Our leaders must negotiate, and the region must not forget us. We want to live safely and with dignity.”
Another participant narrated how she once worked in Sudan’s Ministry of Economy but now struggles to support her five children in exile. “At least here we feel safe,” she said.
The workshop also recognized Uganda’s refugee-hosting policy for providing protection to displaced Sudanese women.
Ms. Nsubuga encouraged participants to use the workshop to formulate a strong, unified resolution. “This is not a moment for quiet reflection but for concrete action,” she said.
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION
https://pmldaily.com/news/2025/12/kampala-hosts-regional-workshop-on-digital-and-sexual-violence-against-sudanese-women.html
