Today we face a global humanitarian challenge. From the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the reconstruction efforts in Turkey following the earthquake, human suffering has reached alarming levels. Women and girls are disproportionately affected. Yet when it comes to humanitarian aid, gender equality is not at the forefront.

When crises occur, gender inequalities often worsen. These include increases in gender-based violence, exclusion from life-saving services and decision-making due to discriminatory social norms such as food hierarchies, and limited mobility in seeking assistance due to physical insecurity.

Women are often the first to respond in a crisis and play a central role in the survival and resilience of their families and communities. When women take the lead, the whole community benefits. Local women’s groups are also often best placed to create change and respond to cries for help.

UN Women in Europe and Central Asia focuses on delivering humanitarian assistance through local partners, collecting and publishing key data, and coordinating efforts between UN agencies and partners.

Women are leaders and drivers of change

UN Women works with local women’s organizations and women-led organizations to deliver effective humanitarian response, addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls in crisis situations. By working closely with local partners, UN Women strengthens community-based responses and empowers women on the ground. Women’s leadership is a cornerstone of this approach, as it not only ensures that women’s voices are heard and their needs are met, but also promotes resilience and recovery within communities.

Stories from Ukraine

Stories from Turkey

Stories from Armenia

Women are leaders and drivers of change

UN Women works with local women’s organizations and women-led organizations to deliver effective humanitarian response, addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls in crisis situations. By working closely with local partners, UN Women strengthens community-based responses and empowers women on the ground. Women’s leadership is a cornerstone of this approach, as it not only ensures that women’s voices are heard and their needs are met, but also promotes resilience and recovery within communities.

Women are leaders and drivers of change

UN Women works with local women’s organizations and women-led organizations to deliver effective humanitarian response, addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls in crisis situations. By working closely with local partners, UN Women strengthens community-based responses and empowers women on the ground. Women’s leadership is a cornerstone of this approach, as it not only ensures that women’s voices are heard and their needs are met, but also promotes resilience and recovery within communities.