A new UN Women report warns that 1 million women and girls in crisis zones have lost critical support due to severe funding shortages. Nearly 40% of surveyed women-led organizations face potential closure, while demand for services has surged significantly since early 2025.
A critical funding crisis is threatening the stability of essential humanitarian services provided to women and girls in conflict-affected regions globally. According to a latest report from UN Women, which surveyed 855 organizations across 52 countries, the withdrawal of financial support has left at least one million individuals without access to life-saving aid. This situation is unfolding at a time when the need for assistance is at an all-time high, with 120 million women and girls requiring protection.
Operational Risks and Potential Closures
The financial strain on grassroots women-led organizations is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Data from the report indicates that 84% of these groups have experienced a rise in service demand since January 2025, yet they lack the resources to meet these requirements. The crisis has reached a point where 88% of these organizations report that they are unable to address the current needs of their communities. Perhaps most concerning for the long-term continuity of these programs is that two out of every five organizations surveyed anticipate they may have to cease operations, either temporarily or permanently, within the next year.
Impact on Service Delivery and Safety
The reduction in funding is creating a measurable gap in essential services. Approximately half of the organizations surveyed have been forced to implement waiting lists or turn away people in need. The impact is particularly severe in remote and high-risk conflict areas, where two-thirds of the organizations have had to cut services entirely. As these safe spaces and support systems disappear, organizations are reporting an 86% increase in gender-based violence within the communities they serve.
Personnel Strain and Sustainability
To bridge the gap caused by the funding shortfall, staff members are increasingly relying on unpaid work. The report shows that 65% of these organizations are currently operating with staff who are not receiving compensation. This practice has led to widespread burnout, with 48% of the organizations identifying this as a primary challenge. Furthermore, the mental health conditions of both the humanitarian workers and the affected populations are declining, with 88% of respondents noting a deterioration in overall well-being. Investors and international stakeholders will likely monitor how these funding gaps affect the broader stability and development goals in these volatile regions as international donor priorities continue to shift.