The United Nations has warned that at least one million women and girls have lost access to essential humanitarian services following significant reductions in international aid funding since January 2025. According to UN Women, the funding crisis is severely affecting organizations that provide life saving assistance in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
The agency reported that humanitarian needs are rising rapidly, with nearly 120 million women and girls currently requiring protection and emergency support because of ongoing conflicts, displacement, and humanitarian emergencies. However, shrinking financial resources are forcing many organizations to reduce or completely suspend their operations.
The findings are based on a survey of 855 women led and women’s rights organizations operating across 52 crisis affected countries. The report found that 84 percent of these organizations have experienced increased demand for their services since early 2025. Despite this growing need, nearly 90 percent admitted they can no longer meet current levels of demand because of limited funding.
UN Women also warned that two out of every five organizations expect to shut down either temporarily or permanently within the next year if funding is not restored. To continue providing assistance, many employees are working without salaries, while increasing workloads have resulted in widespread staff burnout.
The report highlighted a sharp rise in gender based violence, with 86 percent of surveyed organizations reporting more cases in the communities they serve. At the same time, support systems for survivors of conflict related sexual violence are weakening due to financial constraints, leaving many women and girls without access to shelters, healthcare, legal assistance, and psychological support.
Beyond immediate humanitarian concerns, UN Women warned that the funding cuts are also reversing progress on women’s rights and gender equality. Many organizations have already suspended programs that promote women’s leadership and participation in community decision making, raising concerns that years of progress could be lost unless international donors increase support for humanitarian and women’s rights initiatives.
