Finding Light in the Shadows: Mama Nour’s Fight for Single Mothers and Orphaned Children in Sudan

Despite the challenges of her early life, she worked tirelessly to pursue an education. With unwavering determination, she established the Shama’a (candle) Organization in 2007.

Since its inception, Shama’a has provided shelter, education, and essential services to underprivileged women and children. The organization specializes in helping those marginalized by society, including divorced women and orphaned children.

Through partnerships with the government, United Nations (UN) agencies, international NGOs, and local communities, Shama’a has successfully reintegrated thousands of women into society, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives.

However, the peace Mama Nour had worked so hard to nurture for years was shattered on 15 April 2023, when conflict erupted in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

As violence surged, the streets of Khartoum transformed from bustling life to scenes of despair, ravaged by the relentless onslaught of airstrikes, heavy artillery, and gunfire.

Faced with the imminent danger to the mothers and children under her care, Mama Nour made the harrowing decision to evacuate them to Wad Medani, a place that promised safety after days of dread and despair.

“The war wrecked all the efforts we had made since 2007,” she recalled. “We were in total panic.”

With the help of her partners, she managed to escape from Khartoum with 20 women and children, including pregnant women and infants.

Wad Medani, located in Al Jazirah State, initially became a refuge for thousands escaping conflict in Khartoum, but escalating violence spread there in mid-December 2023, turning it into a battlefield of chaos and despair.

“After several months, the war reached us for the second time, and we had no choice but to leave again,” Nour recounted.

After a difficult journey, Mama Nour and those in her care arrived in Port Sudan, situated on the Red Sea coast.

One of the most significant challenges they faced was securing suitable shelter, particularly for the vulnerable groups that required special attention. Ensuring their safety and comfort became a top priority as they navigated this new environment.

Initially, the women and children settled in a public school alongside other internally displaced persons, which was overcrowded and inadequate for their needs.

Desperate for a better solution, Mama Nour contacted the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which provided an old building that, while not in the best condition, offered them a roof over their heads.

“We finally reached safety, but we faced significant challenges, starting with finding food and water,” Mama Nour said.

Despite living in overcrowded conditions and lacking adequate resources, Mama Nour remained committed to those she served. She mobilized support from the UN, humanitarian organizations, local partners, and the private sector to provide shelter, food, and essential supplies.

Through her efforts, she ensured that single mothers and orphans had a safe place to stay.

With the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Shama’a organization was able to rebuild the walls and create a dedicated room for the girls in their new shelter. Additionally, IOM provided food, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support for all women residing there.

IOM’s assistance, supported by the European Union Trust Fund (EUTF), has strengthened the capacity of the center’s services. This support enhances the delivery of quality, timely, and sensitive protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants, and displaced women.

“Now we have a house that is almost fully equipped,” Mama Nour said, as Shaam’a works on purchasing furniture and providing all necessary supplies for accommodating mothers and children in need of this assistance.

At least 11.7 million people are in need of protection services, with internally displaced, refugee, and migrant women and girls particularly vulnerable.

Reports of abduction and abuse have emerged from conflict-affected areas, heightening the dangers of civilians.

The ongoing conflict has also subjected children to harrowing levels of violence and exploitation, leaving them both physically and emotionally scarred.

Women-led organizations like Shama’a play a crucial role in addressing these urgent needs.

Despite the insurmountable challenges, Mama Nour’s spirit remains unbroken. She continues to advocate for the rights and dignity of women and children, determined to create a better future for those who have suffered so much.

This story was written by Lisa George, IOM Sudan Media and Communications Officer.