Women Leaders Carry on in Tawila Following Displacement

 By Nonviolent Peaceforce; reprinted with permission; first published April 24, 2026; also posted on NP email May 14, 2026; see https://nonviolentpeaceforce.org/women-leaders-carry-on-in-tawila/

 

Just weeks before violent conflict erupted in Sudan, our staff celebrated the achievements of 100+ women in North Darfur. These women spent weeks learning about and practicing Unarmed Civilian Protection. They even received training in mediation and de-escalation techniques to effectively manage conflicts at both household and community levels.

 The ceremony was their first step towards the formation of Women Protection Teams (WPTs) – groups of women trained in protecting people and encouraging peace. Despite leading the efforts to keep people safe in their local community, the conflict scattered the women, and left them with no choice but to flee their homes or hide in the bush. They were trying to survive and keep their families safe. 

 Months later, many of these women found themselves in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp. Their hearts were heavy with the loss of loved ones and their homes. Finding and reconnecting with one another in the camp was incredibly meaningful.

Although their lives had been forever changed, their friendships were still rooted in a shared commitment to safety. So, they decided to take the next step and form the women’s protection team they were trained for, just in a new location and under different safety risks. 

 In the crowded IDP camp, women and girls face many dangers, especially when they leave their shelters to collect water or firewood. The conditions of the camp have also led to many civilians struggling with poor hygiene, which can lead to sickness or death. Yet, women's voices are not heard when important decisions about camp safety are made. 

 WPTs Reconnect with NP

 Following the active fighting in Darfur, our staff relocated to Tawila camp as well. The reorganized WPT reconnected with Nonviolent Peaceforce and with our support the group began taking action. 

 First, the WPTs began holding public awareness sessions on hygiene. They taught people simple ways to stay clean and prevent diseases, which is very important in crowded camp conditions. This has directly helped everyone, especially children and the elderly, avoid sickness, and possible death.

 

Since then, the WPTs organized protective presence at water points. In the displacement camps, civilians are required to fetch their water from central locations. As you can imagine, it's common for the water points to get overcrowded. And when long lines of people form, the stress of the situation sometimes erupts into arguments.

 Fortunately, the WPT leaders are able to de-escalate tensions when they arise. By overseeing the water point, their efforts are preventing the outbreak and spread of violence. Collectively, these WPT leaders have turned a vital daily task into much a safer chore, especially for women and girls.

 The WPTs remain committed to finding ways to keep their community safe and NP continues to be at their side and finding more ways to support the camp.