The Silent Struggle of Sudanese Refugee Women in Chad: Exploitation Amid Survival
The ongoing war in Sudan has left devastating impacts on women and girls, forcing many into desperate situations in refugee camps. In Chad, some female Sudanese refugees have reported incidents of sexual exploitation as they try to access basic necessities, jobs, or promised financial support. This exploitation, though a crime in Chad, continues to occur under the radar.
“We came to Chad, and the food they gave us was not enough. So, I slept with a man and gave birth to this child. I had four children (from marriage), and this is the fifth. I had to because they don’t give us enough to eat,” shared a 27-year-old refugee, cradling her infant. She explained that the father was an aid worker who promised her money in exchange for sex.
Women and girls in the Adré camp near the Sudan-Chad border told similar stories of exploitation. They alleged that both humanitarian workers and local security forces were involved. A 19-year-old refugee, who fled after witnessing her family members killed, shared her harrowing journey. After arriving at the Aboutengué camp with her mother, she turned to sex work to cover their basic needs. “Now I regret what happened,” she said after also giving birth to a child as a result.
Local officials, including Ali Mahamat Sebey, prefect of the region, dismissed allegations against security forces as false. However, aid groups acknowledge the struggles in the camps. The majority of Sudanese refugees in Chad are women, and while humanitarian organizations try to support them, resources are often insufficient.
“The fact that assistance is not enough for them can be a reason for them to go for survival sex,” an aid worker admitted.
Efforts have been made to address the issue, such as the UN Refugee Agency’s “safe spaces” for women, free hotlines, and anonymous feedback boxes to report abuse. Yet, many women are either unaware of these services or fear drawing unwanted attention by using them.
What can you do to help? Share this story to raise awareness about the struggles of Sudanese refugee women. Advocate for their protection by starting conversations online or in your community. Consider supporting trusted humanitarian organizations working to provide aid and prevent exploitation in refugee camps. Your voice and actions can make a difference in giving these women and girls the safety and dignity they deserve. Let’s act together!
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