From War to Hope
How Displaced Women in Kassala are Weaving New Futures
When the war tore through Wad Madani and Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, along with its three surrounding cities. Families scattered in search of safety. For many women, the journey east to Kassala meant not only leaving behind their homes and possessions but also the very foundation of their lives. Some arrived with no male relatives to lean on, others with no income or resources to start again.
In the midst of this uncertainty, a quiet tradition began to take root. Women started gathering over coffee — a familiar comfort in unfamiliar times. It became more than just a drink; it was a moment of relief, a place to share grief, swap stories, and offer advice on where to find food, shelter, or aid.
“Every cup of coffee here feels like a breath of fresh air,” one woman shared. “It’s where I remember I’m not alone.”
It was during these gatherings that a member of the Malak Foundation in Sudan saw an opportunity. What if these meetings could also be a space for learning, creating, and earning? With that vision, she began a small knitting and craft workshop.
At first, the women came just to try something new. But soon, their hands were shaping possibilities — weaving bags, crocheting flowers, stitching coffee table mats, creating cup placeholders, decorating wedding baskets, and even making perfumes. All from locally sourced materials, all crafted with patience and pride.
“I never thought I could make something people would want to buy,” another woman said, smiling as she held up a handwoven bag. “Now, I see I have skills. I see I have value.”
For many, the workshop became more than a source of potential income — it became a place to rebuild dignity and confidence. A reminder that even in the shadow of war, they still have the power to create beauty and meaning.
The Malak Foundation is now working to make this workshop permanent, with plans to train more women and help them sell their products in local markets and online through Facebook and WhatsApp.
In Kassala, a city that became a refuge from conflict, these women are proving that resilience grows when community and creativity meet. Their story is a testament to the fact that even when everything is lost, hope can still be handmade.
