In a recent report, UN Women highlighted a troubling trend: the percentage of women killed in armed conflicts has surged, with women now representing 40% of all civilian casualties in war zones. This statistic reflects a stark increase from previous years, as the report indicates that cases of conflict-related sexual violence also rose by 50% in 2023 compared to the prior year.
According to the United Nations, there were at least 33,443 civilian deaths recorded in armed conflicts last year, with over 13,377 of those casualties being women. Alarmingly, children accounted for three out of ten civilian deaths, underscoring the widespread impact of warfare on vulnerable populations. The report painted a grim picture of a world caught in a “frightening spiral of conflict, instability, and violence,” with 170 armed conflicts documented in 2023.
Sima Bahous, the executive director of UN Women, emphasized the disproportionate toll on women, stating, “Women continue to pay the price of the wars of men. This is happening in the context of a larger war on women, where the deliberate targeting of women’s rights is not just confined to conflict-affected countries but becomes even more lethal there.”
The report pointed to a “blatant disregard” for international laws meant to protect women and children during wartime. It noted that many women in conflict zones struggle to access healthcare, with approximately 500 women and girls dying daily from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth in these dire situations. In Gaza, by the end of last year, it was reported that 180 women were giving birth each day, most without any medical assistance.
In Sudan, where reports of sexual violence are rampant, the UN agency observed that most victims were unable to receive medical care within the critical first 72 hours following an assault, including access to emergency contraception. Disturbingly, some victims have been denied abortions due to legal time limits.
The report also shed light on the gender imbalance among decision-makers in peace processes, with women making up less than 10% of negotiators in 2023. This is despite research showing that peace agreements tend to be more durable and effective when women are part of the discussions.
Released 24 years after the UN Security Council resolution 1325, which called for the protection of women and girls in conflict and their full participation in peace efforts, the report highlights a harsh reality. Bahous warned, “We are witnessing the weaponization of gender equality on many fronts. If we do not stand up and demand change, the consequences will be felt for decades, and peace will remain elusive.”
