A recent UN report reveals that over one million women and girls have lost access to vital humanitarian support in the past 18 months, marking a significant decline in foreign aid. This crisis has been exacerbated by drastic funding cuts, particularly from the US, which has seen its foreign assistance plummet by more than 50% since 2024.
The report highlights that 84% of women’s organisations are facing increased demand for their services, yet many are unable to meet these needs. Alarmingly, nearly 90% of these organisations report they cannot sustain their operations, with two in five expecting to shut down within the year. This situation threatens the survival of critical support systems for vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
As funding dwindles, the consequences are dire: rising poverty levels, increased school dropouts among girls, and a doubling of conflict-related sexual violence. The report underscores that the organisations at risk are often the only lifeline for women in crisis zones, operating where international aid cannot reach.
UN Women is calling for urgent investment in these organisations, warning that without immediate action, the very entities that have historically supported women and girls through crises could become casualties themselves. The implications of this funding crisis extend beyond immediate humanitarian needs, potentially destabilising communities and exacerbating gender inequalities worldwide.
Source: The Guardian
