Cairo, Egypt – Sudanese refugee mothers in Cairo are finding solace and a renewed sense of purpose through faith-based workshops, despite facing immense hardship and legal barriers to employment. Teh programs, facilitated by organizations like MNON, offer spiritual support and empower women grappling with trauma, displacement, and the challenges of single motherhood.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has forced millions to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Egypt.These women, frequently enough survivors of sexual violence used as a weapon of war, arrive with limited resources and face notable obstacles to rebuilding their lives. Egyptian law restricts work permits for refugees, leaving many reliant on aid and struggling to provide for their families. Workshops are addressing these challenges by fostering community, restoring dignity, and connecting women to a source of hope through their faith.
“Women are coming that are pregnant, but not as they wont to get pregnant at all,” shares Bonita, a representative involved with the outreach. Last year’s workshops specifically aimed to encourage community support for women conceived through rape, challenging societal rejection.
The workshops integrate the Gospel message, emphasizing the inherent value of women in God’s eyes. Presenters draw parallels between Jesus offering life through water and blood and women’s capacity to give life, fostering a sense of dignity and purpose. “That really gave dignity to the women and helped them to see that, ‘I am made in the image of God, and I get to be like God in a way that men don’t,'” Bonita explains.
Beyond spiritual support, the programs aim to equip these women to serve their communities, despite the economic hardships they face. many are single mothers raising three,four,or five children while navigating the complexities of refugee life.
Supporters are asking for prayer for the refugee mothers in Cairo, requesting comfort and peace for those with family still suffering in Sudan, and strength for those striving to provide for their children. “All of our students have a real heart to serve their community, and yet they have to work really hard just to provide for their family and for their kids,” Bonita says.
