Geneva, 13 May - Globally, 308 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across 73 countries, a figure that continues to rise with escalating conflict, climate change, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by crisis, suffering from preventable pregnancy-related deaths, malnutrition, and high rates of sexual violence. Despite rising needs, the humanitarian system is facing a severe funding crisis, with cuts threatening essential, life-saving services for women and girls.
UN Women today launched its new report At a Breaking Point: The Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts on Women's Organizations in Humanitarian Crises Worldwide. Based on the results of a rapid global survey conducted among 411 women-led and women's rights organizations across 44 crisis contexts, the report finds that 90 per cent of surveyed organizations have been hit by funding cuts.
"The situation is critical. Women and girls simply cannot afford to lose the lifelines that women's organizations are providing. Despite their roles as essential providers, advocates, and watchdogs, women's organizations have been severely underfunded even before the recent wave of reductions. Supporting and resourcing them is not only a matter of equality and rights, but it is also a strategic imperative," said Sofia Calltorp, Chief of UN Women Humanitarian Action.
The drastic reduction in funding is pushing many organizations to a breaking point, with almost half (47 per cent) expecting to shut down within six months if current funding levels persist. A staggering 51 per cent of organizations have already been forced to suspend programmes, including those for supporting survivors of gender-based violence or those which provide critical access to protection, livelihoods, multi-purpose cash and health care. Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) report having been forced to lay off staff-many at significant levels.
Amid growing challenges, women's organizations remain unwavering-leading with courage, advocating for their communities, and rebuilding lives with resilience and determination. UN Women stands alongside women's organizations worldwide, echoing their urgent call for sustained funding. These organizations are cornerstones of our collective humanitarian response-driving change, offering hope, and delivering critical support to women, girls and their communities in the world's toughest crises.
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