Protecting women and girls along the migratory route

Protecting women and girls along the migratory route

Women and girls on the move are some of the most vulnerable people, facing a range of humanitarian and protection issues. On their long and dangerous journeys, they are at risk of trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence.

The British Red Cross, alongside the Danish Red Cross, Sudanese Red Crescent Society and Ahfad University for Women in Sudan, is supporting women and girls affected by trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence in Eastern Sudan.

The project aims to reach more than 25,000 women and children directly over the course of two years.

We are also increasing awareness in communities about trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence, which are sensitive topics in Sudan.

Through the programme, women and girls along the migratory route in Eastern Sudan will have their dignity, rights, and protection needs met, and be empowered to make informed decisions and experience safer migration paths.

• Read: what's the current situation in Sudan?

Sudan safe house programme

Covid-19 threatens to devastate the refugee camps of Eastern Sudan and the migrant and refugee women, girls and children who are staying there. 

Conditions inside the camps and reception centres are packed, making self-isolation impossible. There’s also little access to water, making hand-washing and good hygiene practice extremely difficult.

With fear and tension in the camps at an all time high, women, girls and children are especially vulnerable to sexual exploitation, abuse and trafficking.

To protect these vulnerable women and children, the Red Cross has set up a safe houses programme on the borders of Eritrea and Sudan, for survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence.

Led by female Sudanese Red Crescent Society volunteers, the safe house is helping victims of gender-based violence process their trauma and move forward with their lives. It’s a safe space to heal emotionally and physically.

As well as nourishing food, women have access to doctors should they need them. They are also offered classes, such as languages, computer skills, training and tailoring to help them settle into new countries once they move on.

Last updated 8 February 2022

This programme is possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, with recent funding awarded by Postcode International Trust, which is managed by People’s Postcode Lottery.

Find out more about our partnership