The Hina Tree: A snapshot of girls’ lived realities in Al Jazeera State

29 May 2026

Produced in partnership with the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), this documentary explores the aftermath of sexual violence against women and girls in one of the most affected states: Al-Jazeera State. In mid-December 2023, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) invaded Al-Jazeera State, targeting the capital, Wad Medani, and a multitude of villages around the area. SIHA has documented 677 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in Al Jazeera State –the highest number recorded among 14 states in Sudan.

The long-term detrimental affects this has had on girls, including their ability to participate and attend school, have rarely been reported. This documentary looks at how the conflict has affected girls’ access and ability to attend schools. Some girls we interviewed have miraculously managed to overcome the trauma and social stigma to return to the classroom.