Translated with AI
UN Women is sounding the alarm: According to a new report, 90 percent of women's organizations working in humanitarian crises are on the brink of survival. About half of the agencies surveyed by the UN agency expect to have to cease operations within the next six months, the UN press service reports.
Today, 308 million people around the world require humanitarian assistance – a number that continues to rise amid worsening conflicts, the impacts of climate change, food shortages and disease outbreaks. Women and girls suffer disproportionately, with preventable deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth, malnutrition and high rates of sexual violence. More than 500 women living in crisis settings die every day from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth alone.
Consequences of funding cuts Despite growing needs, the humanitarian system is severely underfunded. Aid cuts are jeopardizing vital services for women and girls.
In the published report, UN Women cites the results of a rapid global survey of 411 organizations providing assistance to women and protecting their rights in 44 countries. According to the report, 90 percent of the NGOs surveyed have already faced funding cuts.
Almost half (47 percent) expect to have to cease operations in the next six months unless external aid levels increase. Fifty-one percent of organisations have already had to suspend programmes – including those supporting survivors of gender-based violence and providing health services, cash transfers and social protection. Almost three-quarters (72 percent) reported having to lay off staff – often significantly.
Vital support Cutting programs or closing organizations means women and girls in crisis situations are losing access to vital support. In fact, 62 percent of institutions have already been forced to reduce services. The programs most affected are those addressing gender-based violence (67 percent), as well as health and economic opportunities.
In a recent study, 50 percent of NGOs in Afghanistan reported that aid cuts had directly affected their women's programming.
Meanwhile, 72 percent of Ukrainian organizations that help women and protect their rights reported serious disruptions to their work. More than 60 percent of Ukrainian institutions have been forced to suspend or reduce their gender-based violence services, leaving survivors without access to safe shelter, legal aid, or psychological support. One in three organizations in the country could cease operations entirely within six months unless new funding is received.
Despite all the difficulties, women's organizations continue to fight and defend the interests of their communities. UN Women expresses solidarity with NGOs and calls on the international community to provide them with support.
“These organizations are the cornerstone of our shared humanitarian response, bringing change, hope and vital assistance to women, girls and their communities in the toughest conditions around the world,” the UN agency said.
