Sudan's Women Pay the Price As Weapons Keep Flowing - Why an Arms Embargo Is Crucial to Protecting Them

The US proposal to extend the arms embargo from Darfur to all of Sudan aims to reduce the warring parties' capacity to wage war, potentially limiting violations against civilians, especially women. Activist Nemat Koko emphasizes that the proliferation of weapons increases the risks of sexual and gender-based violence, restricting women's freedom of movement and their ability to protect their families. The war also impacts essential infrastructure, placing additional burdens on women, particularly those who are heads of households.