Daily Acts of Humanity: The Women of Al Fasher
Sudan's brutal civil war has displaced millions since heavy fighting broke out in Khartoum in April 2023, triggering a vast humanitarian crisis. Meet some of the women who are stepping up as frontline workers to care for children and their families, with essential support from UNICEF.
Displaced themselves, women in Sudan are creating hope for children and families who have lost everything
For more than 1,000 days, the war in Sudan has caused immense suffering for millions of children and families.
By the start of 2026, at least 9.5 million people were internally displaced across Sudan's 18 states. More than half of the population now depends on humanitarian assistance to survive — turning Sudan into the largest child displacement and humanitarian emergency in the world.
In the city of Al Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region, spiraling violence, the collapse of essential services and unimaginable conditions have forced many families to flee.
Many have found shelter in towns like Tawila, Golo and Rokero, where they have arrived exhausted, hungry and malnourished after days on the road.
But even as they have grappled with their own upheaval and uncertainty, with worlds turned upside down, frontline workers, UNICEF staff and partners are greeting those arriving with extraordinary compassion and care — volunteering, treating the wounded, counseling those who are emotionally distressed, providing medical treatment.
Mothers and fathers are supporting other parents who have no one else to turn to for support, and looking out for unaccompanied children who have become separated from their loved ones. Grandmothers and mothers are sharing the little they have so another family can survive.
These everyday examples of displaced families supporting others despite their own circumstances reflect enormous kindness, solidarity and resilience — and are a reminder that even during this devastating war, humanity remains.
As families continue to seek safety from the violence back home, UNICEF spoke with five women who are giving back to children in need.
Fadeela, a nutritionist in Golo: 'My youngest daughter is almost 2 and I imagine if it was her who needed lifesaving help'
Many families fleeing from Al Fasher have sought refuge in Golo, Central Darfur. At a UNICEF-supported health and nutrition facility, Fadeela, a nutritionist, cradles her baby in one arm, while attending to mothers and children waiting for lifesaving services. Every day, Fadeela walks for 45 minutes to the facility to provide nutrition care and support for displaced families.
“When we are called to provide nutrition counseling, we can’t say no because we feel the pain of these mothers,” Fadeela says. ‘’When they arrive, the mothers are so malnourished, physically exhausted and traumatized.”
As a mother herself, Fadeela is determined to continue supporting other mothers nurturing their children, despite the enormous challenges. "My youngest daughter is almost 2 and I imagine if it was her who needed lifesaving help," she says.
Learn about Five Ways UNICEF Is Supporting Sudan's Children
Alawiya, a teacher in Rokero: 'To rise from this tragic situation, there is no way but through education'
Alawiya, a teacher and mother of four, fled the violence in Al Fasher and arrived in Rokero, Central Darfur, with just a few belongings. The family lived on the streets before finding shelter in a UNICEF-supported school. Now, Alawiya teaches at the school during the day, and sleeps there at night.
“I sleep in the classroom and go out early in the morning to drink tea, change my clothes and return to teach,” she says.
Awaliya shares the daily struggles of displacement with the children and families around. “It’s painful for us. But we comfort each other.”
“Education is important in the life of the individuals and communities,” Alawiya says. “To rise from this tragic situation, there is no way but through education. And through education, peace will prevail.”
Learn more about The School That Never Sleeps
Latifa, a volunteer at a safe learning space in Tawila: 'This space means safety and love for these displaced children'
Latifa had been displaced multiple times before arriving in Tawila four months ago. Since then, she has been volunteering at a UNICEF safe learning space, supporting children affected by the conflict.
Every day, Latifa witnesses fear, trauma, loss and pain through the eyes of the children she supports. But she is motivated by the fact that her daily support contributes to their recovery journey. “This space means safety and love for these displaced children. They have seen so much at such a young age,” she says.
The short time they spend at the safe learning space gives them joy and happiness. “They have so many memories of violence. They need support and things that remind them of their childhood, like games and toys. They change completely after coming here.”
Having lived through loss and displacement herself, Latifa understands the children’s pain and vows to create a safe space where children can share, play, create new bonds and heal in the process.
Discover UNICEF's child-friendly spaces for children displaced by conflict
Amina, a midwife in Tawila: 'Women arrive exhausted, hungry and frightened'
Amina survived her harrowing displacement journey, but the memories of those who lost their lives are never far from her mind. “Many children died on the way," she says. "I met a pregnant mother who had four children. She arrived with only the one still inside her.”
Her own experience motivated Amina to continue working as a midwife in Tawila, supporting mothers to deliver their babies safely. “I still have something to give, even after losing everything," she says.
At the health facility, Amina offers antenatal and postnatal care services, supports safe deliveries, conducts nutrition awareness sessions and ensures pregnant and lactating women receive essential medicines and vitamins.
“Women arrive exhausted, hungry and frightened,” Amina explains. “Many come from Zamzam camp. They have no shelter, no blankets, nothing to wrap their newborns in.”
But she also worries about the conditions in the camps that they return to. “The crowded shelters and cold nights pose serious risks to newborns.”
At the end of each day, Amina walks home to her own children, sharing the same uncertainties as the families she serves. Yet each morning, she returns. Amid loss and displacement, Amina is not just delivering babies, but also health and hope.
Mahla, a social worker in Tawila: 'Together, we help each other to heal'
Mahla works as a social worker at a safe space established to provide specialized services for women and girls affected by the conflict.
Displaced herself, Mahla has witnessed and lived the daily suffering experienced by families forced out of their homes.
“l know how much one must endure to reach safety — and the risks,” she says. “We stayed in the sun, hungry and thirsty, for two weeks before arriving here. Young children were dying of hunger, because there was no food or shade.”
At the safe space, Mahla spends time with women and girls, providing psychosocial support through individual and group counseling sessions.
“I cannot describe the difference this place makes for women, girls and children,” Mahla says. “This is where they feel seen, heard and safe. The women and girls treat each other like sisters.”
For Mahla, this is more than work — it is healing. “Together, we help each other to heal,” she says.
Learn more about how UNICEF is Rebuilding Childhoods in Sudan
In a conflict that has spanned years and scarred millions, women like Fadeela, Alawiya, Latifa, Amina and Mahla continue to make life bearable amid daily struggles. Despite their own losses, they are restoring hope, saving newborns, treating the sick, creating new routines for children, reopening classrooms and healing emotional wounds.
They are the #HumansofAlFasher whose daily acts of kindness and humanity exhibit the strength, compassion, resilience and determination the families in Sudan need to rebuild lives as they await peace and the day they will finally return home.
Learn how UNICEF plans to keep delivering lifesaving support to children across Sudan in 2026
This story was previously published by UNICEF Sudan
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