Sudanese Women Fleeing the Conflict from Omdurman to Cairo Shared Their Experiences

Abstract

This research investigated the difficulties encountered by Sudanese women who sought asylum in Egypt after the eruption of war in their country in April 2023. Central to the study were the flee women’s own narratives. Eight families were purposefully selected for the study. They consented to share their experiences without disclosing their identities. The study utilized interviews with open-ended questions. Moreover, it was structured in the form of narrative accounts.

Key findings from the narratives indicated that Sudanese women were compelled to flee their homes due to the rapid escalation of violence in their home country. The violence began in Khartoum, the capital, and extended to neighboring regions and states. Many Sudanese people experienced forced displacement and migration. They endured severe conditions throughout their journey until the arrival to their destination. Egypt was the most favored location among a lot of Sudanese women. The narratives highlighted themes such as, harsh circumstances of migration, fears faced by the flee women during their travels, challenges of settling down in Egypt, and other coping mechanisms. These stories revealed the profound physical and psychological sufferings that impacted these individuals, at personal and family levels, at the present time and in the futures. Furthermore, it showed the urgency to provide them with the crucial support and policies to address their challenges in the host countries.