Women Leading the Change in Forgotten Conflicts
The signatory meeting highlighted the forgotten conflicts in Sudan, Yemen, DRC and Syria and what the women leaders say about it.
The global Women, Peace, and Security agenda, as rooted in UN Security Council Resolution 1325, remains critically relevant, especially in crises that are underreported and overlooked. This event spotlighted on the courageous, often invisible, work of women on the frontlines in Sudan, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Syria.
Sudan case, where the Darfur conflict has reignited since 2023, presented that the women are bearing the brunt of violence and displacement. Despite facing sexual violence, abductions, and threats, Sudanese women, like those running community kitchens, are saving lives. They continue to lead, even as humanitarian aid is blocked. The call is simple for: trust women in Sudan, support them with adjusted administrative and accountability funding condition to protect them from violence.
In Yemen, since 2014, women have faced increasing repression, including male guardian laws and exclusion from peace talks. Activists operate under severe restrictions. Yet, women remain resilient, and the call for diplomatic solidarity is louder than ever.
The DRC faces a tragic reality where conflict and natural disasters have created one of the worst ongoing humanitarian crises. Women are raped at staggering rates, and girls are married off for dowries as survival strategies. They need urgent attention and immediate support from the international community.
In Syria, the stories of imprisoned and abducted women remain largely untold due to fear and stigma. Women are excluded from public life and silenced by societal and governmental pressures. Yet, they continue to fight for space in civil society and demand inclusion in rebuilding efforts.
Speakers on all four countries conveyed a clear message that the women are not just victims, they are leaders and their efforts can only go so far without sustained, flexible international support, meaningful inclusion in diplomacy, and a commitment to protecting their rights and dignity.