Women and Children: The Most Vulnerable IDP Populations in Sudan

Objective: This research study examines the various challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan, focusing on women and children because they are the groups that are disproportionately affected by conflict and displacement. Methods: Using a mixed-methods design, this study combines qualitative interviews involving 100 displaced individuals and key informants with quantitative analyses of secondary data from humanitarian agencies and United Nations (UN) reports. Key informants include healthcare providers, educators, and local non- governmental organization (NGO) representatives. The investigation identifies significant challenges in educational opportunities, healthcare access, and protection from violence. The qualitative data provided in-depth, narrative evidence of individual and communal struggles. Results: The quantitative analysis revealed that less than 30% of displaced women had regular access to reproductive health services. In addition, formal education enrollment for displaced children dropped below 50%. Gender-based violence cases were alarming since 40% of women reported incidents of physical or sexual abuse since their displacement. Conclusion: The study discusses the implications of these systematic barriers and offers evidence for the urgent need for targeted interventions, policy reforms, and enhanced humanitarian responses to mitigate the adverse impacts of prolonged conflict. Besides, it offers recommendations, such as increasing access to healthcare services, implementing alternative educational models, and strengthening protection measures to support women and children. This article improves our understanding of the challenges faced by Sudanese IDPs and highlights the significance of developing tailored humanitarian responses and long-term post-conflict recovery strategies.