In a heartbreaking revelation, a new report from UN Women has exposed an alarming surge in the number of women killed in conflict zones worldwide. The findings, based on data from 2023, show that a staggering 40% of all civilian deaths in war zones were women—double the proportion from the previous year. This troubling statistic highlights the growing disregard for international laws designed to protect women and children during times of conflict.
A Grim Picture for Women in War
The UN report paints a bleak picture of the increasingly violent consequences of warfare on women and girls across the globe. Of the 33,443 civilian deaths recorded in armed conflicts in 2023, more than 13,377 were women, while three out of 10 were children. This shocking data underscores the disproportionate impact of war on the most vulnerable populations.
Sima Bahous, UN Women’s executive director, expressed her outrage at the findings, stating, “Women continue to pay the price of the wars of men. This is happening in the context of a larger war on women. The deliberate targeting of women’s rights is not unique to conflict-affected countries but is even more lethal in those settings.”
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on the Rise
In addition to the rise in female casualties, the report also highlighted a worrying 50% increase in UN-verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence compared to 2022. This disturbing trend underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to protect women and girls in war-torn regions.
“The blatant disregard of international laws designed to protect women and children during war is leading to women not being able to access healthcare in conflict zones,” the report stated.
Shockingly, the report revealed that 500 women and girls in conflict-affected countries died every day from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, often due to a lack of access to medical care. In Gaza, by the end of 2023, 180 women were giving birth each day, most without proper medical assistance.
Denied Access to Healthcare and Justice
The situation in Sudan serves as a heartbreaking example of the challenges faced by women in conflict zones. Despite widespread reports of sexual violence, most victims were unable to access medical care within the crucial first 72 hours after being raped, including emergency contraception. Some rape victims were even denied abortions because they had exceeded the legal time limit.
Women Underrepresented in Peace Processes
The report also highlighted the persistent underrepresentation of women in peace negotiations, despite evidence that their involvement leads to longer-lasting and more effective peace agreements. In 2023, women constituted less than 10% of negotiators in peace processes, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion and disempowerment.
“We are witnessing the weaponization of gender equality on many fronts,” warned Bahous. “If we do not stand up and demand change, the consequences will be felt for decades, and peace will remain elusive.”
A Call for Action
The UN Women report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect the rights and lives of women and girls in conflict zones. Twenty-four years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which called for the safety of women and girls and their full involvement in peace processes, progress remains unacceptably slow.
Governments, international organizations, and civil society must work together to ensure that the laws designed to safeguard women and children in war are upheld and enforced. This includes holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, providing comprehensive support services for survivors, and ensuring women’s meaningful participation in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
Only by addressing the root causes of gender inequality and prioritizing the protection of women’s rights can we hope to break the cycle of violence and build a more peaceful, equitable world for all. The time for action is now—the lives of countless women and girls depend on it.
