The Abu Naga Safe Space: A Lifeline for Displaced Women in Sudan

At the Abu Naga gathering site in Gedaref State, where displaced families struggle with overcrowding, lack of services, and deep uncertainty about the future, a small safe space has become a powerful symbol of resilience. Established by UN Women in partnership with HOPE (Hope and Friendship Development Organization) and supported by the Government of Japan, the space offers more than just physical safety—it offers women a sense of identity, dignity, and hope.

Among those who found solace there is Samira, a 22-year-old woman who once dreamed of becoming a banker. Originally from Khartoum, she fled the conflict in hopes of reaching safety in Ethiopia. But her journey was marked by danger, threats, and trauma. After facing abuse and violence during her displacement, she returned to Sudan and eventually settled at Abu Naga. There, she lives with part of her family, including her father who is physically unable to relocate. “Before, I had no space to breathe or talk,” she recalled. “I was lost in fear and depression.”

When she discovered the safe space, she asked to join in any capacity—even as a volunteer. She now supports daily operations, serving tea and helping with distributions. “It gave me a reason to wake up again,” she shared. “I’ve learned about my rights, about early marriage, about the power of education. I feel like I have a future again.”

Asma a 27-year-old woman, also found a renewed sense of purpose through the safe space. A former health promoter with years of humanitarian experience, Asma became displaced herself and arrived at Abu Naga after a long and unstable journey through several regions and camps. In Gedaref, she tried to earn a living by selling tea, but following a cholera outbreak, her situation worsened. A short-term job gave brief relief, but after her marriage ended and she was left without income or medical support for a reproductive health condition, she slipped  into depression.

The safe space helped her shift her mindset. “I realized that opportunity is more important than money,” she said. “I’ve learned so much about health, rights, and how to rebuild my life with dignity.” Today, she is determined to regain her independence and find her own path forward.

Samira’s and Asma’s  echo the experiences of many women in Abu Naga. The safe space does not erase the losses they’ve endured—but it does offer healing, knowledge, and connection. In a setting where so much has been taken from them, these women are reclaiming their power one day at a time.

As conflict continues across Sudan, the displacement crisis has reached staggering proportions. By 25 August 2025, an estimated 12 million people have fled their homes—of these, about 7.5 million remain internally displaced, grappling with uncertainty, scarcity, and ongoing insecurity. Amid these conditions, safe spaces and livelihood support delivered through UN Women’s programmes—supplemented by funding from the Government of Japan—have provided critical stability, dignity, and support at a moment when communities are stretched to their limits.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.