Women, War, and Peace: The Gendered Impact of Conflict in Sudan and 25 Years of UNSCR 1325

Join us for an insightful panel on the gendered impact of war in Sudan. We will look at 25 years of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, a landmark resolution that recognises the essential role of women in peacebuilding and security and underscores the urgent need to protect women in conflict. 

Since the renewal of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to widespread devastation, displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Women have been disproportionately affected; facing sexual violence, food insecurity, and exclusion from peace negotiations, despite their vital roles in activism and peacebuilding. This event aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for women’s participation in peace processes and the critical situation in Sudan, while also illustrating the gendered nature of conflict. 

We are excited to announce the following distinguished speakers:

Mekka Abdelgabar

Mekka Abdelgabar is a leading expert on gender, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution in Sudan, particularly in Darfur. As the founder of the Darfur Women’s Organization in the Netherlands (VOND), she has played a key role in advancing women’s participation in mediation and reconciliation efforts, demonstrating the essential role of women in sustainable peace processes. 

Karin de Jonge

Karin de Jonge is an expert in international development cooperation, including on peacebuilding and post-conflict rehabilitation in Africa and the Middle East. She has managed large-scale development and humanitarian programs for international organizations in the East and the Horn of Africa, including many years in Sudan and South Sudan. She is currently project lead of the Dutch National Action Plan 1325 at WO=MEN Dutch Gender Platform. In this position she supports and strengthens organisations which work on gender-inclusive peace processes with conflict-affected communities.

Thirsa de Vries 

Thirsa de Vries is the Project Lead for Sudan at PAX for Peace, where she spearheads initiatives in inclusive peacebuilding and advocacy. She has dedicated the past five years to supporting Sudanese communities affected by conflict, focusing on women’s initiatives. Previously, as Programme Manager for Iraq at PAX, she worked on projects implementing UNSC Resolution 1325.

New speaker

Jela Keyany

Jela Keyany is an expert in international criminal and humanitarian law, focusing on human rights in conflict-affected areas in Iraq and Syria. She has investigated and documented international crimes, including sexual and gender-based violence and crimes against cultural heritage. Jela has led research on Dutch foreign fighters, designed human rights programs for displaced communities, and integrated gender, age, and diversity-sensitive approaches into policy and practice. She has collaborated with UN agencies, governments, and civil society, providing legal training, capacity building, and strategic advice grounded in international law and field research.

Location:  Grand Café Utopie, The Hague

Date and time: 10 April 2025 at 19.30 – 21.00

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