Peace should prevail and rights of women Protected

This project was implemented between August and November of this year, with support from the Haella Foundation in the Netherlands to contribute to sustainable peace in Sudan through through empowering and protect women as powerful peace builder.
Project Specific objectives
• To empower IDPs women who both live in the local communities and in IDPs shelter centers with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to prevent, respond to, combat and advocate against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) taking place within the current ongoing armed conflict in the country .
• Specific Objective Two: Facilitate women access to Referral pathway; Guide and help survivors of SGBV to report by referring them for support services including medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance.
• Launch of advocacy campaign to raise community awareness over SGBV through dissemination of messages via of mass communication and development of IEC materials on women rights and SGBV.
The workshops on gender-based violence, conducted from September 22 to 25, 2023, significantly enhanced women’s awareness of gender equality, human rights, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Participants were trained on self-protection strategies against SGBV and how to file complaints with relevant authorities. Psychological support was also provided to women who had experienced violence, helping them cope with their trauma.
In addition to these workshops, a community-wide awareness campaign was implemented to advocate for women’s rights and combat SGBV. The campaign utilized various mass communication methods, including the distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) advocacy materials, SMS messaging, and public messaging through community events. Key messages emphasized the importance of protecting women from violence and offered guidance on self-protection in cases of SGBV.
Over 500 hard-copy pamphlets were produced and disseminated across locations such as shelter centers, schools, health facilities, family and child protection units, mosques, and community gatherings. Soft copies of the IEC materials and voice messages were shared widely through WhatsApp, ensuring broader outreach.
The advocacy campaign successfully engaged both women and the wider community, raising awareness about the harmful effects of SGBV and promoting attitudinal and behavioral change. Specific messages targeted various stakeholders, including community members—especially boys and men—community leaders, government agencies, service providers (such as midwives, social workers, and police), and teachers.
To date, over 50 women have sought support and information from Baitna Center and the Family and Child Protection Unit. The dissemination of information through posters and mass media will continue, ensuring ongoing awareness efforts. Baitna Center remains committed to providing a supportive space and listening ear for all affected women.