Women Fleeing Conflicts in Numbers
Around 700 million women and girls live within 50 km of a conflict, the highest number since the 1990s. The number of women and children among civilian victims of armed violence has quadrupled since 2023.
In 2024, over 60 million women and girls had to flee their homes, exposing them to violence, deprivation, and insecurity. The number of civilians affected by armed conflicts is on the rise. Since women often have a central responsibility in their families, they are more likely to flee with their families, increasing their representation among displaced populations.
In the refugee camps of Dadaab and Kakuma in Kenya, HI provided adaptation services to 1,500 women (out of 4,100 beneficiaries) and mental health support to 10,000 women (out of 19,500 beneficiaries) in 2025.
Sexual Violence: A Weapon in Wars
Sexual violence related to conflicts is on the rise, with an increase of up to 35% in violence against girls in 2024. Attacks on homes, schools, markets, and health facilities, disproportionately affecting women, are becoming more frequent in armed conflicts. At the same time, measures and protection services for women, such as mobile courts, clinics with qualified staff, and public lighting at night, are often damaged or weakened, contributing to a climate of impunity.
In the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, torn by endless violence, HI helped 234 victims of sexual violence in 2025.
Underrepresentation of Women in Peace Discussions
On average, only 7% of conflict negotiators were women in 2025. While women participate in many peace processes led by the United Nations, their representation remains low and is decreasing in some contexts. Few peace agreements include specific gender provisions, and women’s efforts, often very local, in favor of peacebuilding often do not translate into influence at the national level.
Setback in Women’s Rights
In many countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Palestine, and Sudan, institutions and services supporting women’s rights, such as those related to education, employment, reproductive health, and legal protection, have been reduced or eliminated due to conflicts and political resistance.
In Afghanistan, where women have difficulty accessing basic services, HI assisted 13,500 women and girls with adaptation services in 2025. This represents nearly 30% of HI’s total beneficiaries.
Source: Report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security
