Nearly half of women-led aid groups at risk of closure amid global funding cuts — UN
According to the findings, 90 per cent of the 411 women-led and women’s rights organisations surveyed across 44 countries reported experiencing funding reductions.
Nearly half of women-led organisations providing essential support to women and girls during humanitarian crises could shut down within six months due to major foreign aid cuts, a new UN Women report has revealed.
The report, titled At a Breaking Point: The Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts on Women's Organisations in Humanitarian Crises Worldwide, highlights the toll that dwindling international support is taking on grassroots women’s groups operating in some of the world’s most volatile regions.
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According to the findings, 90 per cent of the 411 women-led and women’s rights organisations surveyed across 44 countries reported experiencing funding reductions.
Almost half (47 per cent) said they expect to close down within half a year if the current financial strain continues. Additionally, over 70 per cent have already laid off staff, while 51 per cent have suspended critical Programmes, including those addressing gender-based violence, access to healthcare, protection, and economic support.
UN Women reported that this financial pressure comes as humanitarian needs continue to grow globally. The agency said that 308 million people currently require humanitarian assistance across 73 countries, a number driven higher by escalating conflict, climate change, food shortages, and disease outbreaks.
Within this rising demand, women and girls are facing disproportionate challenges such as preventable deaths during pregnancy, malnutrition, and increased risk of sexual violence.
Sofia Calltorp, Chief of UN Women Humanitarian Action, described the situation as critical. She emphasised that funding these organisations is not just a matter of gender equality and rights but also a strategic necessity in humanitarian response.
“The situation is critical. Women and girls simply cannot afford to lose the lifelines that women’s organisations are providing. Despite their roles as essential providers, advocates, and watchdogs, women’s organisations have been severely underfunded even before the recent wave of aid cuts. Supporting and resourcing them is not only a matter of equality and rights, but it is also a strategic imperative,” she said.
Despite the difficult conditions, UN Women stated that women’s organisations continue to lead efforts with resilience and determination.
The agency affirmed its solidarity with these groups and reiterated their vital role in addressing the needs of women, girls, and vulnerable communities in crisis zones.
“UN Women stands alongside women’s organisations worldwide, echoing their urgent call for sustained funding. These organisations are cornerstones of our collective humanitarian response—driving change, offering hope, and delivering critical support to women, girls and their communities in the world’s toughest crises,” stated the human rights group.
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