Meet the Speaker : Dr. Sulaima Ishaq Mohamed Elkhalifa

Dr. Sulaima Ishaq Mohamed Elkhalifa | State Minister of Human Resources and Social Development | Psychologist | GBV & MHPSS Expert

Dr. Sulaima Ishaq Mohamed Elkhalifa is a psychologist, gender-based violence (GBV) specialist, and mental health advocate with over two decades of leadership in humanitarian response, protection, and psychosocial recovery in conflict and post-conflict settings across Sudan and the region. She currently serves as the State Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and formerly led the Unit for Combating Violence Against Women (CVAW) in the Government of Sudan, where she oversaw national strategies, legal frameworks, and inter-agency coordination to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.

Dr. ElKhalifa’s work bridges policy, practice, and healing. She has designed national policies, technical manuals, and training curricula on GBV, trauma recovery, and psychosocial support (PSS), while leading large-scale community-based healing and peacebuilding initiatives. As a lecturer and head of the Trauma Center Outreach Office (TORCH) at Ahfad University for Women, she developed academic and applied programs in trauma counseling and mental health promotion.

Throughout her career, she has collaborated with UN agencies, civil society, and international partners including UNFPA, UNICEF, and Save the Children, contributing to the institutionalization of GBV and MHPSS standards in Sudan. A recognized national advocate, she has advanced culturally grounded, survivor-centered approaches to collective healing and protection.

Dr. Elkhalifa holds an MSc and BSc (Honors) in Counseling and Health Psychology, both with distinction, from Ahfad University for Women. She is fluent in Arabic and English.