Sudanese Refugee Women Rebuild Lives in Chad Amid One of World’s Fastest-Growing Crises

As Sudan's devastating conflict continues to drive one of the world's largest displacement crises, nearly 920,000 refugees have fled to neighbouring Chad, where survival is only the first step in a long and uncertain journey toward rebuilding lives.

Among them are women like Guisma Bachir Abdallah and Shaima Abdelhadi Haroun, whose stories reflect both the immense hardship of displacement and the resilience emerging within refugee communities.

A Journey Marked by Fear and Loss

Forced to flee violence in Sudan's West Darfur region, Guisma and Shaima undertook a perilous journey to safety—travelling on foot or by donkey, often without food, shelter, or certainty about the future.

"These were difficult times. We ate only once a day," Guisma recalled, describing the hunger and fear that defined their escape.

Their experience is shared by millions. The Sudan conflict has displaced over 4.5 million people across borders, placing immense pressure on already fragile host regions.

From Emergency Shelters to Fragile Stability

Upon arrival in Chad, many refugees initially find shelter in makeshift camps with minimal resources. Guisma's family first stayed in rudimentary structures near the border before being relocated to the Gaga refugee settlement, one of several large camps in eastern Chad.

With support from UNHCR and partners:

• Temporary shelters have been replaced with more durable housing

• Access to healthcare has been established

• Children are able to attend school

For Guisma, one milestone stands out: her children are now learning to read and write—something she herself never had the opportunity to do.

Humanitarian Response Under Pressure

Despite major efforts, the scale of the crisis continues to outpace available resources.

UNHCR and its partners have:

• Built 113,000 shelters

• Established 129 schools

• Distributed 160,000 school kits

• Expanded access to water, sanitation, and healthcare

Yet, many refugees—including Guisma—remain dependent on food aid and basic assistance, with limited access to jobs or sustainable income opportunities.

Women Leading the Path to Economic Recovery

Amid these challenges, refugee women are emerging as key drivers of resilience and recovery.

In Gaga settlement, home to around 42,000 refugees, Shaima leads a women's collective called Al-Moustakbal ("The Future"), bringing together 20 women to develop income-generating activities.

The group operates across multiple sectors:

• Soap-making

• Traditional weaving

• Sewing

• Basketry

These initiatives are not only generating income but also fostering financial independence and social empowerment.

"We want to move beyond the idea that a woman's place is at home. We have the same capabilities as men," Shaima said.

Building Skills and Economic Opportunities

Across refugee settlements, UNHCR has supported around 1,400 individuals—mostly women—with training and equipment for:

• Agriculture and market gardening

• Food production

• Small-scale enterprises

Such programmes aim to shift the response from short-term humanitarian aid to long-term self-reliance, enabling refugees to contribute to local economies and reduce dependency.

"Refugees bring valuable skills and a strong willingness to rebuild their lives," said UNHCR Representative Patrice Ahouansou.

Healing Beyond Survival

Beyond economic support, refugee communities are also addressing the psychological toll of displacement.

Women's groups like Al-Moustakbal provide safe spaces where members can:

• Share experiences of trauma and loss

• Support each other emotionally

• Address issues such as gender-based violence

For many, these networks are as vital as material assistance.

Dreams Beyond the Camp

Despite the challenges, refugees continue to look toward the future.

Shaima, a former teacher in Sudan, dreams of expanding her work:

• Establishing a bakery business

• Scaling soap production

• Launching a community radio station by 2027 to amplify refugee voices

She has also invited Guisma to join the group, offering a pathway toward independence and stability.

A Crisis That Demands Global Attention

The Sudan-Chad displacement crisis highlights the growing strain on humanitarian systems worldwide, particularly as funding shortfalls threaten to undermine response efforts.

Eastern Chad—already one of the poorest regions—now hosts hundreds of thousands of refugees, placing pressure on:

• Infrastructure

• Public services

• Local economies

Experts warn that without sustained international support, both refugees and host communities will face worsening conditions.

From Crisis to Opportunity

While the scale of displacement remains staggering, the stories of women like Guisma and Shaima underscore a critical shift—from survival to empowerment.

Their journey reflects a broader truth: with the right support, refugees are not just recipients of aid—they are agents of recovery, resilience, and economic growth.