Supporting Women on the Move: Tailored Services and Outreach at the MRRC in Gedaref, Sudan
In eastern Sudan, the Migrant Resource and Response Centre (MRRC) in Gedaref plays a critical role in supporting migrants, refugees, and members of the host community—particularly women—who have been affected by displacement, conflict, and hardship.
The MRRC, operated by IOM Sudan, serves as a one-stop hub for protection, humanitarian assistance, and community engagement. A significant part of its work focuses on the unique needs of women on the move, many of whom face increased risks such as gender-based violence, health complications, and social isolation. Through a range of tailored services and outreach activities, the Gedaref MRRC aims to provide safe spaces, medical support, empowerment opportunities, and a sense of connection for migrant and local women alike.
Key Activities for Women at the Gedaref MRRC
Mobile Health Clinic for Women
To increase access to essential healthcare, the MRRC regularly conducts mobile clinic sessions, particularly targeting pregnant women and mothers from migrant and host communities. These clinics provide:
- Maternity and antenatal care
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS)
By bringing services closer to where women live, these clinics remove significant barriers such as transportation, stigma, and cost.
Focus Group Discussions on Women's Empowerment
To better understand and respond to the needs of migrant women, the MRRC convenes focus group discussions (FGDs) with participants from diverse backgrounds, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, and the Sudanese host community. These FGDs explore:
- Women’s roles in their families and communities
- Challenges faced during and after migration
- The importance of training, advocacy, and social cohesion
The discussions provide a safe forum for story-sharing, peer support, and community dialogue—all essential for healing and resilience.
Art as Expression and Healing
Women who visit the MRRC are invited to participate in painting workshops, using creative expression as a way to tell their stories and process their experiences. This initiative:
- Encourages cross-cultural understanding
- Helps reduce stress through art therapy
- Builds a sense of unity and shared identity
As part of this initiative, we are proud to showcase two original pieces created by Merhawet Mokanon, a migrant woman from Ethiopia. Her artwork reflects personal stories of migration, strength, and resilience, and highlights the emotional journeys of women navigating displacement.
Sharing Voices through Video Testimonies
In a multimedia initiative, the MRRC recorded a short video series featuring migrant women of different nationalities, who bravely shared their personal testimonies. These videos:
- Shed light on the challenges of migration
- Celebrate women’s resilience and strength
- Call for greater recognition and support
By amplifying women's voices, the MRRC aims to influence more inclusive protection programming and encourage solidarity within and across communities.
The work of the Gedaref MRRC demonstrates how locally tailored activities—when focused on women’s lived realities—can foster protection, empowerment, and cohesion. As conflict and displacement continue to affect Sudan and its neighbours, such community-driven responses remain essential in meeting the evolving needs of women on the move.