Women and girls in Palestine face severe threats from ongoing conflict, including mass displacement, food insecurity, and a dramatic increase in gender-based violence. As of January 2025, over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 110,000 injured, with UN Women capturing the unique impacts on women and girls in Gaza and the West Bank. These women are enduring the collapse of healthcare systems, loss of livelihoods, and straining mental health — yet they bravely support their families and advocate for resilience under overwhelming pressure.

Sudanese women and girls are bearing the brunt of brutal civil war, with over 12 million internally displaced and a staggering spike in violence. UN Women reports a two-fold increase in gender-based violence and warns that 7,000 new mothers could die without proper nutrition and healthcare. Many are fleeing violence, struggling to access education and services — yet they remain at the forefront of their communities, demanding a future built on equality and safety.

Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, women in Afghanistan have endured the most drastic rollback of rights in two decades. UN Women reports that nearly 80% of young Afghan women are now excluded from education, employment, and public life, with no women in government roles — marking a return to pre-2002 levels of oppression. Despite draconian restrictions on dress, movement, and civic participation, Afghan women continue to resist, organise, and push for their rights in the face of silencing and fear.

In South Africa, the epidemic of domestic and gender-based violence disproportionately affects women, with countless survivors facing not just physical abuse but systemic neglect and trauma. Many live in constant fear, unable to seek protection or justice due to limited access to safe shelters, legal support, or psychological care. By highlighting their stories, advocating for change, and directing resources toward effective organizations, we can stand in solidarity with these courageous women and help break the cycle of violence.

After more than a decade of conflict, Syrian women are facing deep-rooted crises: food shortages, disrupted schooling, unsafe health systems, and soaring rates of early marriage and sexual violence. Despite these barriers, women in Syria have emerged as frontline leaders—organising refuge, mediating across communities, and helping to shepherd the peace and rebuilding efforts.

In eastern DRC, over two million civilian deaths and more than one million rapes during repeated conflicts reflect devastating gender-based violence targeting women and girls. Women are often excluded from decision-making—holding only 7% of senior government roles—yet many serve as courageous mediators and champions of peace in their communities.

In Yemen, nearly a decade of civil war has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Women and girls face extreme food insecurity, displacement, and the collapse of healthcare systems. Child marriage rates have spiked as families struggle to survive, and access to education for girls has drastically diminished. Despite these challenges, Yemeni women continue to serve as frontline humanitarians and peacebuilders in their communities.

Women in Ukraine continue to face the severe hardships of war — displacement, loss, and constant uncertainty. Many have become primary providers while also confronting increased risks of violence, poverty, and limited access to essential care. Still, Ukrainian women show remarkable resilience, volunteering on the front lines, supporting humanitarian efforts, and rebuilding their communities under immense pressure. By raising awareness and supporting trusted organisations, we can help ensure they receive the protection, resources, and dignity they deserve.

The conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region has left women and girls particularly vulnerable, with widespread reports of sexual violence used as a weapon of war. Millions have been displaced, and survivors of violence are often left without medical or psychological support. Ethiopian women are leading the charge in providing aid and advocating for accountability, even amid ongoing instability.