PEACE & DEVELOPMENT

Women Empowerment and Protection Centers

Creating Saleswomen Spaces, Restoring Dignity, and Strengthening Resilience in Conflict-Affected Communities

Armed conflict in Darfur has disproportionately affected women and girls, exposing them to displacement, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), loss of family members and livelihoods, psychological trauma, and chronic poverty. Many women have become the sole providers for their households while facing limited access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and protection services. These challenges have not only undermined their wellbeing but have also weakened the resilience of families and communities.

Recognizing that recovery requires more than humanitarian assistance, DPDO adopted an integrated, survivor-centered approach that combines protection, psychosocial support, education, livelihoods, health promotion, early childhood development, and environmental sustainability. Through safe and inclusive Women Empowerment and Protection Centers, women are supported to recover from trauma, rebuild confidence, develop practical skills, generate sustainable incomes, and become active contributors to peacebuilding and community resilience.

Over the past two decades, DPDO has established more than six Women Empowerment and Protection Centers throughout Darfur, providing comprehensive services to thousands of women and children living in displacement settings. The centers have evolved into trusted community institutions that promote human rights, strengthen social cohesion, foster economic resilience, and provide a safe environment where women can heal, learn, and lead. Today, the program remains a cornerstone of DPDO’s commitment to advancing gender equality, protecting vulnerable populations, and supporting sustainable recovery in conflict-affected communities.

Background and Rationale

Women and girls have experienced some of the most severe consequences of the protracted conflict in Darfur. Widespread displacement, insecurity, poverty, and the breakdown of social support systems have significantly increased their vulnerability to violence, exploitation, and exclusion. Many have lost their homes, livelihoods, and family members, leaving them responsible for supporting their households with limited resources and few opportunities.

A major protection concern has been the daily collection of firewood outside IDP camps. Women and adolescent girls often travel long distances through insecure areas, where they face heightened risks of sexual violence, physical assault, harassment, and exploitation. Limited access to education, psychosocial care, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities has further reinforced cycles of dependency and vulnerability.

To address these interconnected challenges, DPDO established the Women Empowerment and Protection Centers as safe, community-based spaces offering integrated protection and development services. The centers provide women with access to psychosocial support, literacy and vocational training, income-generating activities, health and protection awareness, and opportunities to rebuild social networks and strengthen community cohesion.

By addressing both immediate protection concerns and the underlying causes of vulnerability, the program promotes resilience, restores dignity, enhances self-reliance, and enables women to play a leading role in community recovery, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.

Geographical Coverage and Areas of Intervention

DPDO’s Women Empowerment and Protection Centers operate in some of the most conflict-affected and underserved areas of Darfur, providing integrated services to women and children living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and surrounding host communities.

The program currently serves communities across North Darfur and South Darfur through strategically located centers that respond to priority protection and development needs.

Through these centers, DPDO reached displaced populations across North Darfur and South Darfur, providing women and children with safe spaces, protection services, education opportunities, psychosocial support, and livelihood development programs.

Locations of Women Empowerment and Protection Centers

The program established and supported centers in the following IDP camps and communities:

Through these centers, DPDO reached displaced populations across North Darfur and South Darfur, providing women and children with safe spaces, protection services, education opportunities, psychosocial support, and livelihood development programs.

North Darfur State
  • Kassab IDP Camp – Kutum
  • Fata Borno IDP Camp – Kutum
  • Zamzam IDP Camp – El Fasher
  • Abu Shouk IDP Camp – El Fasher
  • Salam IDP Camp – El Fasher
Khartoum
  • El Haj Yousif
  • Khartoum- Mayou
South Darfur State
  • Kalma IDP Camp – Nyala
  • Nyala IDP Communities and surrounding displacement areas
Eastern Chad
  • Iridemi Refugee camps
  • Touloum Refuree camps

These locations were selected based on the urgent protection needs of displaced women and children, particularly communities affected by violence, repeated displacement, and limited access to education and livelihood opportunities.

Across these areas, the Women Empowerment and Protection Centers became trusted community hubs where women could gather safely, develop skills, access support services, and participate in activities that strengthened their resilience and ability to rebuild their lives.

The geographical expansion of these centers reflects DPDO’s long-term commitment to reaching marginalized populations and supporting women as key partners in peacebuilding, community recovery, and sustainable development in Darfur.

Key Areas of Impact

1. Safe Spaces and Protection for Women and Children

The centers provide a secure environment where women and children can gather, receive support, and participate in activities away from the risks associated with displacement and conflict.

Major protection activities include:

  • Creating safe spaces for women and children in IDP camps.
  • Raising awareness on women’s rights, protection mechanisms, and prevention of gender-based violence.
  • Providing referral support for survivors of abuse and vulnerable women.
  • Promoting community dialogue on dignity, respect, and protection of women and children.

The centers have helped reduce isolation and vulnerability while strengthening women’s confidence and ability to respond to protection challenges.

2. Economic Empowerment Through Handicraft and Income Generation

A central component of the Women Empowerment and Protection Centers has been supporting women to achieve greater economic independence.

Women participate in:

  • Traditional handicraft production.
  • Sewing, embroidery, and other skills-based activities.
  • Small-scale income-generating initiatives.
  • Cooperative activities that encourage teamwork and mutual support.

These programs have enabled women to generate income, support their families, and regain a sense of dignity and self-reliance despite difficult living conditions.

3. Adult Education and Skills Development

The centers have provided opportunities for women who were denied access to formal education due to conflict, displacement, or poverty.

Programs include:

  • Adult literacy classes.
  • Basic numeracy and life skills education.
  • Awareness sessions on health, hygiene, family wellbeing, and social issues.
  • Skills training to improve household and community resilience.

Education has empowered women with knowledge, confidence, and greater participation in decision-making within their families and communities.

4. Early Childhood Education and Preparation for School

Recognizing the importance of early childhood development, the centers have supported children through preparatory educational activities before entering formal schools.

Programs include:

  • Basic literacy and numeracy preparation.
  • Social and emotional development activities.
  • Safe learning environments for young children.
  • Encouragement of school enrollment and retention.

These activities have helped displaced children begin their educational journey with improved readiness and confidence.

5. Trauma Healing and Psychosocial Support

Many women and children in Darfur have experienced severe emotional distress due to conflict, displacement, loss of family members, and exposure to violence.

The centers provided:

  • Psychosocial support activities.
  • Trauma healing sessions.
  • Peer support groups for women.
  • Safe discussions where survivors could share experiences and receive encouragement.

These interventions helped women recover emotionally, rebuild self-esteem, and strengthen their ability to cope with the impact of conflict.

6. Promoting Human Rights and Women’s Leadership

The Women Empowerment and Protection Centers also served as platforms for advancing human rights awareness and women’s participation in community development.

Activities included:

  • Human rights education.
  • Women’s leadership development.
  • Community awareness campaigns.
  • Encouraging women’s participation in peacebuilding and reconciliation processes.

Through these efforts, women became active contributors to community stability and social recovery.

Community Impact and Achievements

The Women Empowerment and Protection Centers have created lasting social impact by transforming displacement camps from places of vulnerability into communities of resilience and opportunity.

Key achievements include:

  • Establishment of more than six Women Empowerment and Protection Centers across IDP camps in Darfur.
  • Creation of safe spaces serving displaced women and children affected by conflict.
  • Support for women’s economic independence through handicraft and livelihood programs.
  • Increased awareness of women’s rights and protection issues.
  • Improved access to education and psychosocial support.
  • Strengthened community networks and women-led initiatives.

The centers have demonstrated that humanitarian assistance is most effective when it goes beyond immediate relief and invests in dignity, empowerment, and long-term community resilience.

Partnership Opportunity

DPDO continues to seek partnerships with international donors, humanitarian organizations, and development agencies to expand and strengthen Women Empowerment and Protection Centers in Sudan and other conflict-affected regions.

With continued support, these centers can provide more women and children with:

  • Protection from violence and exploitation.
  • Access to education and skills development.
  • Opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
  • Psychosocial healing and recovery.
  • A stronger voice in building peaceful and resilient communities.

Investing in women is investing in the future of communities affected by conflict.

Dr. Sabah Al-Shabebi (UAE)

Board Member

Dr. Sabah holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Sanaa University, Republic of Yemen. She is a certified obstetrician and gynecologist by the Jordanian Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Arab Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Prior to her current role as Deputy Director of the Modern Medicine Center, she served as an Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at the Dubai Health Authority, Director General of Sharjah City Medical Center, and Medical Director of the National Center of Modern Medicine. Dr. Sabah is a member of the Emirates Medical Association and currently serves as the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Consulting and Training Group (Five and One Training Centre) within Mohammed bin Rashid’s projects – Government of Dubai. Additionally, she is the Chairman of KENZEL FACILITY MANAGEMENT within Mohammed bin Rashid’s projects – Government of Dubai. Dr. Sabah’s extensive experience and leadership in the medical industry make her a valuable asset to our DPDO organization.

Shiri Kalai

Assistant of programs

Shiri Kalai is an MSPH student in the Social and Behavioral Interventions program for International Health at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is completing her practicum with HEAL. In addition to joining the HEAL team, Shiri works with Key Point Health Services helping children in Baltimore City and County with their mental health symptom and behavioral management. She is anative Spanish speaker and is excited to work with Darfur Peace and Development to provide humanitarian relief to those in need!

Maisoon Ateem

Deputy Director of Health Program

Maisoon Ateem, Deputy Director of Health Program Maisoon has over 10 years of experience working in the field of public and global health. She graduated from Johns Hopkins Master of Applied Science (MAS) in Global Health Planning and Management and studied as an undergraduate in Sudan. Upon her graduation with a BA in Medical Science from Sudan University of Science and Technology, she worked for the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) among other UN agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Sudan and the USA. Her focus was conflict-affected populations in particular women and Internally Displaced People (IDPs) with special attention on survivors of sexual violence and people living with HIV/AIDs. She has been involved in all stages of emergency and reproductive health design and implementation and dedicates her career to bridging access to quality healthcare at the community and individual levels. A strong advocate for education, Maisoon works to integrate various aspects of her practical and personal experience into helping to make the world a better place for all.

Susan Burgess-lent

Vice President & Director of Operation

Ms. Burgess-Lent began her career in humanitarian relief and development in 1994 and has worked extensively in East Africa. She is the former Program Director of Darfur Peace and Development Organization (DPDO), responsible for the funding and operation of Kassab Women’s Center, the model on which WCI’s work is based. She previously served as a consultant to the African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation (AIF), InterAction, CEPDA, and on staff at the American Red Cross International Services. In 2019, she published the non-fiction book Trouble Ahead: Dangerous Missions with Desperate People, about her work in Africa. She has presented speeches for many organizations about the impact of war and poverty on women, and solutions that can be implemented for their benefit.

Dr. Sabah Al-Shabebi

Board Member

Dr. Sabah holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Sanaa University, Republic of Yemen. She is a certified obstetrician and gynecologist by the Jordanian Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Arab Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Prior to her current role as Deputy Director of the Modern Medicine Center, she served as an Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at the Dubai Health Authority, Director General of Sharjah City Medical Center, and Medical Director of the National Center of Modern Medicine. Dr. Sabah is a member of the Emirates Medical Association and currently serves as the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Consulting and Training Group (Five and One Training Centre) within Mohammed bin Rashid’s projects – Government of Dubai. Additionally, she is the Chairman of KENZEL FACILITY MANAGEMENT within Mohammed bin Rashid’s projects – Government of Dubai. Dr. Sabah’s extensive experience and leadership in the medical industry make her a valuable asset to our DPDO organization.

Cindy Castano

Treasure - Board of Directors

Cindy Castano is the president of Alpha Management Group, Inc. (AMG), which is an organization that focuses on business development, management and documentary film production. She has 30 years’ experience in client relations, sales and business development and has been a licensed investment advisor. Prior to founding AMG, amongst several positions in sales/marketing, Cindy has worked in the investment/financial markets of USA, London, England and Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in high value, multi-million dollar accounts. Documentary film production is one of the primary elements of AMG’s business and is structured under AMG Media, a division of Alpha Management Group. Ms. Castano is currently acting as writer, editor, and producer for a documentary entitled “MY SLAVE, MY INFIDEL,” which is in production. The film focuses on the slave trade in Southern Sudan and has expanded filming as events continue to unfold Darfur, Sudan. AMG also has a documentary in negotiations which will focus specifically on the genocidal conflict in Darfur.

Dr. Suliman A. Giddo

President ,Board Member

Dr. Suliman A. Giddo is a highly accomplished expert with over twenty years of intensive and comprehensive experience in leadership, international relations, strategic planning, conflict resolution and disaster and emergency management; having successfully created strategic plans for governments and private institutions in the Middle East, Africa, and the United States. He is also a renowned academic and researcher at George Mason University, with a proven track record of excellence in teaching at American universities including the School of Business at Indiana, and serving in senior positions for several international organizations, including the prestigious American Red Cross, Management System International and Qatar Foundation. Dr. Giddo’s extensive experience includes serving as a consultant for the UA-UN joint mission. He also served as a board member for several institutions and organizations.

Dr.Giddo is the dynamic founder and president of Sub-Saharan University, which offers eight programs in diverse fields such as medicine and general surgery, nursing, medical lab, business administration, information technology, computer network, and banking and finance, with over 2000 enrolled students mostly from Internal Displaced Persons.

Dr. Giddo earned his Ph.D. in Peace Studies and Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University in the United States, where he demonstrated exceptional academic prowess. He also completed postgraduate studies in Humanitarian Assistance from Fordham University in New York, a Master of Science in Business Administration/Accounting from Strayer University in Virginia, where he was an outstanding alumni (2008), and post-graduate studies in Strategic Planning and Project Management from the prestigious Stanford University in California. Dr. Giddo obtained his B.Sc. in Business Administration from the University of Khartoum.