A Single Mother's Search for Safety and Family Reunion

Sudan's South Kordofan has experienced sporadic conflict since 2011. Fighting has intensified since June 2023, severely impacting access to basic services, displacing thousands and straining resources.

Mariam was born into a large family. Her parents died five years ago during a period of fighting near her village in Sudan’s South Kordofan state. In search of safety, she and her siblings moved to a town in South Kordofan, where she soon got married.

Mariam had four daughters with her now ex-husband.

“My ex-husband was difficult to live with,” she explains.

“I couldn’t stay with him.”

When Sudan’s current conflict spread to South Kordofan, Mariam and her daughters were forced to leave their home and travel to another area of town.

“It was long walk, and I carried my children. We did not bring food or water, but we travelled with other people from the area who helped us.”

“Nowadays, I live with my aunt. She is one of few people I know here.”

Mariam’s aunt gave Mariam and her daughters a room to live in; however, the room had no windows or doors, leaving them exposed to stray animals and drunk men.

“My aunt sells alcohol. All kinds of people gather around her house, and I’m worried one of those drunken men will attack me and my daughters,” she says.

Her room was robbed once, and she has been assaulted.

Mariam collects lumber from the woods and sells it as charcoal in the city. Modest as it is, this work is the lifeline she and her daughters rely on. Their unsafe living situation made her fearful of going out.

“I felt confused. I needed to work, and I couldn’t leave my daughters behind. It’s too risky,” she says.

In South Kordofan, the Danish Refugee Council's (DRC) Individual Protection Assistance programme funded by EU Humanitarian Aid works with a community-based protection network to assess individual needs and identify the most critical cases.

Volunteers from the network alerted DRC Protection Officers to situation of Mariam and her daughters. Recognising the urgency, DRC has provided them with individualized counselling, essential materials like doors and windows to secure their living space, and ongoing support.

“I feel so happy,” a relieved smile replacing Mariam’s initial worry. “Knowing my daughters and belongings are protected, I can finally focus on my work without constant fear.”

Despite the terrible toll Sudan’s conflict has taken, Mariam is hopeful about the future and committed to creating a better life for her children.

“I miss the peace and love I had at home,” she shares.

“I did primary school back in my village. I particularly loved history lessons and wanted to go forward in my studies, but I stopped because of my financial situation and because traditions do not encourage girls’ education. I want more for my daughters.”

“We were forced to leave everything behind. I carried my children away from danger, and I won't give up. I'll keep working, save money, and one day build a house large enough to reunite my entire family. That's when I'll truly feel at home again.”