are Sudan's women and girls casualties of a cruel civil war

Since the start of Sudan’s brutal conflict two years ago yesterday, women and girls have come under constant attack. Whether they are visiting the market for desperately needed food, trekking miles for vital health services, or even going to the toilet after dark, the threat of sexual and gender-based violence is increasing by the day.

- ELZAHRA MOHAMMED

Over the last two years, the number of women and girls being abducted and subjected to rape, forced marriage and sexual captivity has risen at an alarming rate.

In the overcrowded camps where I work, we meet girls as young as 12 who are survivors of sexual violence. One girl – not even a teenager yet – recently came to us in labour with twins, but her young body wasn’t mature enough to deliver one baby, let alone two. While the doctors were able to save this young mother’s life, both her twins tragically died in childbirth. Later, I learned that this child was a survivor of sexual violence. It’s a day that will haunt me and my colleagues forever.

As a medical doctor and health specialist for Plan International, I meet girls and young women every day who have fled Sudan’s brutal conflict. They tell me their hopes, dreams, and fears. And I see first hand the devastating impact that sexual and genderbased violence has on their bodies and minds.