From Solar Power to Safety: The Women Driving Change in Tarawa, Sudan

Women of the WLiE group in Tarawa, Sudan, gathered together as they led 

efforts to protect and uplift their community. CARE Sudan

CARE’s Women Lead in Emergencies (WLiE) model supports women’s groups and collectives—often informal ones—to strengthen their leadership in crisis settings. The model helps women identify barriers to meaningful participation, set their own priorities, and engage decision-makers to drive solutions across preparedness, response, and recovery. In Sudan, this work is funded by GIZ Germany.

In Tarawa, Sudan, the local WLiE group began with a clear plan: advocate for solar power at the local health facility so the delivery room could function at night and medicines could be safely refrigerated. But once they listened closely to community concerns, the women realized the need was even greater. Rising violence—especially affecting children—was becoming a crisis in itself.

The group expanded its focus and centered its work around two priorities:

1. Raising awareness and advocating for an end to violence against women and girls.

2. Strengthening referral pathways so survivors could access appropriate services.

To bring these goals to life, the women took action. They transformed an existing cultural center into a confidential safe space for women. One member, a trained psychosocial counsellor, volunteered her time to provide psychological first aid. Through the group’s advocacy, a child-friendly safe space was also created within the center.

Their outreach efforts soon spread across the community. Group members used their skills and social roles to reach people in meaningful ways. A singer in the group was invited to perform at a wedding—she used that moment to share advice and raise awareness about violence against women and girls. Another member, a teacher, spoke with mothers about protecting children from rape—an issue that sharply increased after the 2023 conflict.

These efforts worked. More women began visiting the center for information sessions and support on violence against women and girls. Alongside this, the group distributed cash and food to help mothers provide for their families and ensure children could stay in school. They also organized free medical services. These supports eased household pressure and reduced negative coping strategies, including children dropping out of school to work.

The impact was visible. Women and children felt the change most. More women felt safe approaching WLiE members to discuss violence against women and girls and to report cases. Women became more confident. Divorce rates decreased. Mothers became more active in protecting their children.

And importantly, the group achieved their original goal too: with support from CARE and other organizations, they secured a solar power system for the health facility and successfully advocated for incentives for health staff, as well as additional cash support for families with children with special needs.

This story shows what happens when women are trusted, resourced, and connected. Supporting women’s groups—formal or informal—matters. When empowered, they become the first safe point for their communities and a powerful force in addressing violence against women and girls.