Millions Face Dire Need as Humanitarian Crises Surge
A global crisis is unfolding, with millions of women and girls trapped in the crossfire of conflict and natural disasters, facing unimaginable hardship and alarming health risks. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has sounded the alarm, launching a $1.4 billion appeal to deliver life-saving reproductive health services and critical gender-based violence prevention programs to over 45 million vulnerable individuals across 57 crisis-affected countries in 2025.
A Grim Reality: The Impact of Disasters and Conflict
In 2024, a record-breaking 122.6 million people were displaced by global crises, with women and girls constituting half of those affected. Natural disasters and climate shocks, coupled with escalating conflicts, have devastating consequences for them, pushing them to the brink of survival. Pregnancy and childbirth become life-threatening, and the risk of gender-based violence, including rape, surges alarmingly.
“In every conflict zone and disaster, women and girls face profound risks that threaten their lives and wellbeing and access to essential services,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. “With this funding appeal, we are calling on the international community to invest in the health and dignity of women and girls caught in crisis, and to help build a future free from fear and violence.”
Funding Shortfalls: A Threat to Lives
Despite the unprecedented challenges in reaching those in dire need, UNFPA’s humanitarian responses in 2024 were remarkable. Over 10 million people received vital reproductive health services, and 3.6 million individuals benefited from gender-based violence prevention and response services across 59 crisis-affected countries. Thousands of midwives and medical teams were deployed to conflict zones, over 3,500 health facilities were equipped to provide life-saving care, and more than 1,600 safe spaces were established for women and girls seeking refuge and empowerment.
However, a staggering 75 percent resource gap across 34 crises in 2024 highlights the dire need for increased funding. This shortfall forced agonizing decisions, leaving millions of women and girls without access to essential services and support, often resulting in life-threatening, and sometimes fatal, consequences.
A Call to Action: Investing in Women and Girls
Looking ahead, UNFPA has outlined two key priorities for 2025:
strengthening local and national responses and enhancing emergency preparedness.
Building on the progress made in 2024, where 35 percent of humanitarian funding was directed to local and women-led organizations, UNFPA aims to increase this share to 43 percent in 2025. Recognizing the urgency to respond effectively to crises, they will also focus on expanding the prepositioning of critical supplies across various hubs worldwide, guaranteeing swift and effective action when disasters strike.
“On the front lines, we see the devastating impact of underfunded responses every day,” said Shoko Arakaki, Director of UNFPA’s Humanitarian Response Division. “Women and girls in some of the world’s most neglected crises endure unimaginable hardship, yet their resilience inspires us to push forward. This appeal is about ensuring that no one is left behind, no matter how remote or underfunded their circumstances.”
“Through supporting this appeal, together we can ensure that no woman dies while giving life and that every woman and girl can live safe from harm, even in the most dire circumstances,” added Dr. Kanem.
How does gender-based violence differ in a crisis context compared to non-crisis situations?
## Interview: A Global Crisis: Protecting Women & Girls in Crisis
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Jane Doe, a leading expert on humanitarian crises and gender equality, to discuss the dire situation facing millions of women and girls around the world. Dr. Doe, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Doe:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** The UNFPA recently launched a $1.4 billion appeal to address this crisis. Can you tell us more about the situation on the ground?
**Dr. Doe:** This year, we’re witnessing a record 122.6 million people displaced by conflict and disasters, with women and girls making up half that number [[[None]]]. Imagine the immense scale of that suffering. These women and girls are facing unimaginable hardships, from lack of access to basic healthcare to increased risk of violence.
**Host:** The UNFPA specifically mentioned the threat of gender-based violence. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Doe:** In crisis situations, pre-existing inequalities are magnified. Women and girls become even more vulnerable to exploitation, forced marriage, sexual violence, and trafficking. The UNFPA’s work is crucial in providing preventative measures and support to survivors.
**Host:** The UNFPA itself faces funding shortfalls. How is that impacting their work?
**Dr. Doe:** Sadly, funding is always a challenge. While the UNFPA achieved amazing things in 2024, reaching over 10 million people with vital reproductive health services and 3.6 million with gender-based violence support [[[None]]], there are still millions more in desperate need. The $1.4 billion appeal for 2025 is critical to ensuring they can continue this life-saving work.
**Host:** What message do you have for our viewers regarding this crisis?
**Dr. Doe:** This is a global crisis requiring a global response. We must urge governments and individuals to support organizations like the UNFPA. The lives and well-being of millions of women and girls depend on it. Every dollar donated makes a difference.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Doe, for shedding light on this critical issue.
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