Half of women’s organizations aiding women in crises may shut down in six months due to global aid cuts, according to a new report from UN Women. The study, At a Breaking Point: The Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts on Women’s Organizations in Humanitarian Crises Worldwide, shows that 90 per cent of surveyed women-led and women’s rights organizations are struggling due to severe funding reductions. These cuts are jeopardizing the ability of these organizations to provide critical support to women and girls facing the consequences of conflict, climate change, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks.
With 308 million people globally in need of humanitarian aid, women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected. They face heightened risks including preventable pregnancy-related deaths, malnutrition, and gender-based violence. Yet, instead of increasing support for these vulnerable groups, the international community’s funding for humanitarian action is significantly declining.
UN Women’s rapid survey, conducted among 411 women’s organizations across 44 crisis contexts, paints a dire picture. It reveals that almost half of the surveyed organizations (47%) have a grim prediction. They foresee a shutdown within six months if current funding levels persist. Nearly 51% of organizations have already had to suspend vital programs. These programs include those supporting survivors of gender-based violence. They also offer protection, livelihoods, healthcare, and multi-purpose cash assistance.
WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS: AT THE FOREFRONT, YET SEVERELY UNDERFUNDED
Despite being cornerstones of humanitarian responses, women’s organizations have long been underfunded, even before the recent wave of funding cuts. These organizations provide essential services such as advocacy, protection, and rebuilding lives in crisis zones. Still, 72% of the surveyed organizations report that they have been forced to lay off staff, with many facing significant reductions in their workforce.
Sofia Calltorp, Chief of UN Women Humanitarian Action, stressed the urgency of the situation: “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.”
A CALL FOR URGENT ACTION
The report highlights that women’s organizations are essential providers of life-saving services. They are also at the frontline of advocating for their communities. These organizations offer resilience and hope in the face of adversity. In a time when humanitarian needs are growing, the international community is being urged to sustain funding and support these organizations that play an integral role in responding to global crises.
As UN Women continues to champion the cause of women and girls in crisis, the call for action is clear. Sustained funding and support for women’s organizations are vital. This is crucial for the protection and empowerment of the most vulnerable populations in crisis zones worldwide.