Farini Discusses Establishing a Unit to Combat Violence Against Women and Children with the Federal Ministry

Director General of the Ministry of Social Development and Acting Minister,Siddiq Hassan Farini, discussed with Dr. Amira Azhari Fadlallah, Director of the Federal Unit for Combating Violence Against Women and Children, the establishment of such a unit in Khartoum State. The meeting was attended by Zeinab Moatasim, Director of Projects at the federal unit, and Khadija Fath Al-Rahman, Director of the Unit at the Department of Women and Family within the ministry.

Farini listened to a detailed report presented by Dr. Amira Azhari on the progress of work. She emphasized that the focus on women and children—being the most vulnerable groups—did not arise arbitrarily, but rather as an urgent necessity imposed by the ongoing war. She also pointed to the existence of legislative, international, and regional frameworks, in addition to the ratification of the Child Act and other agreements.

She proposed a coordination mechanism for the anti-violence unit at the state level, which would include bringing partners together, ensuring strong coordination, planning joint activities, exchanging expertise, and agreeing on terminology while taking into account the specific context of each state.
Dr. Azhari praised the role of the Ministry of Social Development in Khartoum State during the war, noting the significant work carried out despite the absence of a formal unit or structure. She referred to Article (3), paragraph (c), which stipulates the establishment of similar units in coordination with state governments. She also highlighted federal-level challenges facing the unit, including the creation of a national database, the establishment of support and healthcare centers, and building independent partnerships with organizations.

She called for making use of social development centers and creating safe play spaces for children, affirming that the Ministry of Social Development has valuable expertise that can support the unit, and that Khartoum could serve as a model for other states.

For his part, Farini welcomed the participants, praising the work of the unit at the federal level. He stressed that this is a sensitive issue that requires unifying ideas and terminology, noting that “words carry power and influence.” He added that combating violence requires a spirit of independence alongside integration of roles, confirming that the unit would be established through a ministerial decision with a structured framework focusing on technical aspects.

Director of the Unit at the Department of Women and Family, Khadija Fath Al-Rahman reviewed the department’s achievements in protection efforts, including the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. She emphasized the importance of having an independent unit and creating safe spaces to provide psychological and social support services.