In 2023, women accounted for 40% of all deaths in war, said a new UN Report, adding that this marked a sharp increase compared to 2022. The UN verified 50% more cases of sexual violence in war zones last year. The findings are part of the Secretary-General’s annual report on women, peace, and security.
The UN report reveals a deadly trend. The proportion of women killed in war zones doubled last year. In 2023, women made up 40% of all civilian deaths in armed conflicts. This is a dramatic rise from earlier years.
The report also highlights a steep increase in overall civilian deaths. At least 33,443 civilians were killed in conflicts last year, up 72% from 2022.
WOMEN AND CHILDREN AT HIGHER RISK
Women and children are bearing the brunt of modern conflicts. The UN found that not only did the percentage of women killed double, but the proportion of children killed tripled. War zones are becoming deadlier for vulnerable populations.
Most of these deaths occurred in just one region. The Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel accounted for 70% of all civilian deaths in 2023. It was the deadliest conflict for civilians last year.
BLATANT DISREGARD FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW
UN Women, the lead agency on the report, calls the situation alarming. They state that these deaths are happening amid a blatant disregard for international laws. These laws are designed to protect women and children during times of war.
Women in war zones also face other challenges. They have less access to healthcare, leading to higher risks of death from preventable causes.
WOMEN DYING DUE TO LACK OF HEALTHCARE
The lack of healthcare is deadly for women in conflict areas. Every day, 500 women and girls in conflict-affected countries die from pregnancy and childbirth complications. In Gaza, by the end of 2023, 180 women were giving birth daily under dire conditions. Most had no access to basic necessities or medical care.
WAR ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous put it bluntly. “Women continue to pay the price for the wars of men,” she said. Bahous added that the crisis goes beyond conflict. The deliberate targeting of women’s rights is now a global issue. But it is especially lethal in war zones.
The UN Security Council passed Resolution 1325 nearly 25 years ago. It recognized the crucial role women play in peace and security. The resolution called for the protection of women and girls in war. It also demanded women’s full involvement in peace processes.
But nearly 25 years later, the reality is grim. Women still make up less than 10% of negotiators in over 50 peace processes worldwide.
WOMEN’S INVOLVEMENT LEADS TO LASTING PEACE
Research shows that when women are involved in peace talks, agreements are stronger. Peace agreements last longer and are better implemented when women have a seat at the table.
Despite this, women are often left out of formal peace negotiations. In 2023, women accounted for fewer than 10% of negotiators in major peace processes.
Though underrepresented, women-led initiatives are making a difference. In Yemen, women negotiated safe access to water for civilians. In Sudan, 49 women-led organizations are pushing for a more inclusive peace process.
Yet, these efforts are often unsupported. Women’s initiatives are rarely recognized in formal peace talks.
FUNDING SHORTFALLS ARE A MAJOR OBSTACLE
One of the biggest challenges for women’s peace efforts is funding. While global military spending reached a record $2.44 trillion in 2023, funding for women’s rights remains low. Women’s rights organizations get just 0.3% of total aid annually.
The UN report also highlights a lack of investment in preventing gender-based violence. Less than 1% of all humanitarian spending goes toward preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
The failure to invest in women’s rights is costing lives. In war zones, women face higher risks of death from violence, lack of healthcare, and gender-based violence. These challenges are compounded by a lack of international support.
BOLD ACTION NEEDED TO PROTECT WOMEN IN CONFLICT ZONES
The UN report calls for bold action. It recommends setting a basic target for women to make up one-third of participants in peace processes. The ultimate goal is gender parity in peace negotiations.
The report also urges increased funding for women’s rights organizations. Without significant investment, women will continue to be marginalized in peace efforts.
The UN report concludes that women must play a central role in peace and security. Only by ensuring their equal participation can lasting peace be achieved.
To make this a reality, political leaders must take bold action. Governments must increase funding for women’s rights and support women-led peace initiatives.
Women’s rights are under threat in conflict zones. But the international community has the power to change this. When the world invests in women’s rights, it can guarantee their involvement in peace talks. It can create a safer, more just future for all.
Women have proven time and again that they play a crucial role in peacebuilding. From negotiating ceasefires to ensuring access to healthcare, women are at the forefront of change.
Around the world, women are leading peace efforts. In Yemen, women negotiated a ceasefire that allowed civilians to access a crucial water source. In Sudan, women are working tirelessly to make peace processes more inclusive.
But these efforts often go unrecognized. Women’s initiatives are rarely given the support or funding they need to succeed.
GLOBAL MILITARY SPENDING VS. WOMEN’S RIGHTS FUNDING
The disparity in funding is staggering. In 2023, global military spending reached $2.44 trillion. Yet women’s rights organizations get a mere 0.3% of total aid. This lack of funding is one of the biggest obstacles to achieving lasting peace.
NEED FOR GENDER PARITY IN PEACE PROCESSES
The UN report stresses the importance of gender parity in peace talks. Women must be involved at every stage of the process. Studies show that when women are included, peace agreements last longer and are better implemented.
But women continue to be underrepresented. In 2023, fewer than 10% of negotiators in major peace processes were women.