Sudan is experiencing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) causing mass displacement, the collapse of essential services, and widespread gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence. Daily life remains severely disrupted by insecurity and economic collapse.

Amid these conditions, Ahfad University for Women (AUW) in Omdurman, Sudan—UNAI Hub for Gender Equality from 2018 to 2024—has been conducting learning online due to safety concerns and damaged infrastructure, though access is often unstable. Students and staff face limited electricity and internet, high connectivity costs, and soaring prices of basic goods, while many families have migrated in search of safety. Despite these constraints, students remain determined to continue their education and community engagement.

Through this ongoing crisis, the Regional Institute of Gender, Diversity, Peace, and Rights (RIGDPR) at the University remains at the forefront of promoting gender justice and community engagement through its Internship Programme. The programme offers students valuable, hands-on experience in real-world community settings, preparing them to become socially conscious and engaged professionals.

The internship programme is implemented in collaboration with local institutions and community-based organizations active in Sudan and in neighbouring countries. The determination of the students, coupled with the resilience and commitment of these organizations, has ensured that programme goals continue to be met despite the challenges posed by ongoing conflict.

Key internship activities include:

  • Conducting institutional gender assessments
  • Facilitating empowerment and awareness-raising workshops
  • Organizing psychosocial support sessions for displaced and refugee women
  • Supporting grassroots initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Each activity is intentionally designed to promote equity, inclusion, and social sustainability, effectively bridging the gap between academic education and meaningful community engagement.

Detailed Activities in 2025

  • An awareness session on Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Harassment, and Abuse (PSEA) was conducted for displaced women residing in the Elhijra School IDPs Camp in Damazine, Blue Nile State, Sudan.
  • Capacity-building sessions on gender-sensitive report writing were held to strengthen the skills of grassroots, women-led associations in Damazine, Blue Nile State.
  • An open discussion session on mental health was held at Kiryandongo Camp near Kampala, Uganda, with Sudanese refugee women, who discussed the psychological and social challenges they face.
  • A dialogue session exploring how women perceive peace in the aftermath of war brought together IDP women, students, and working women from diverse backgrounds in Damazine, Blue Nile State.

Impact and Outcomes

The outcomes of the student-led internships underscore the transformative power of localized academic initiatives. Students have played a vital role in supporting vulnerable populations—especially displaced and refugee women—through direct engagement, empowerment efforts, and awareness programs. Their contributions demonstrate how academic training, paired with community-focused action, can help advance gender justice and strengthen community resilience.

Learn more about the Ahfad University for Women.