Women and girls caught up in Yemen’s ‘forgotten crisis’ bear the heaviest toll as funding falls
Yemen’s Forgotten Crisis: Women and Girls Bear the Heaviest Toll as Funding Falters
Women and girls caught up in Yemen’s ongoing humanitarian crisis are facing the most severe consequences as aid funding dwindles. The country, home to over 35 million people, has become a stark example of a "forgotten crisis" where more than 22 million individuals require urgent assistance. Among these, women and girls represent half of the population in need, with two-thirds of them in their reproductive years. This demographic vulnerability has intensified as the conflict and economic collapse have eroded access to basic necessities, leaving women and girls in dire straits with limited resources and escalating risks to their health and safety.
The Escalating Crisis for Women and Girls
The crisis in Yemen has placed women and girls at the center of the suffering, with their needs often overshadowed by broader political and economic discussions. Malnutrition, restricted healthcare, and rising violence against women and girls have created a perfect storm of challenges. According to the UNFPA, the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, over 80% of women in Yemen have experienced some form of gender-based violence since the conflict began. This has led to a sharp decline in maternal health outcomes, with Yemen now ranking as the country with the highest maternal mortality rate in the Arab region. For every 100,000 live births, approximately 276 women die from pregnancy-related complications—a figure that has only worsened as aid funding has been cut.
UNFPA’s Struggles in a Resource-Scarce Environment
Amid these challenges, the UNFPA has been working tirelessly to provide essential services to women and girls. However, the agency’s efforts are being stretched thin due to a 40% reduction in humanitarian funding last year, as noted by Francesco Galtieri, the UNFPA’s senior official in Yemen. This funding shortfall has forced the organization to suspend one-third of its programs, including reproductive health services that are critical for women and girls in the region. Galtieri emphasized that the cuts are not just affecting current outcomes but also threatening the long-term well-being of women and girls, who are now more vulnerable to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
The Ripple Effect of Food Insecurity
Food insecurity has become a pervasive issue, exacerbating the plight of women and girls. With the conflict disrupting agriculture and trade, nearly half of Yemen’s population is now living below the poverty line, and malnutrition rates have surged. Francesco Galtieri highlighted that this crisis is not just about hunger but also about the compounded risks women and girls face. For instance, malnourished mothers are more likely to give birth to underweight infants, increasing the chances of long-term health problems. Additionally, girls are often forced to drop out of school to work or care for families, further entrenching gender inequality and limiting their opportunities for future economic stability.
Healthcare Access: A Major Obstacle
Access to healthcare remains a critical barrier for women and girls in Yemen, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is already crumbling. The lack of midwives and doctors has led to preventable maternal deaths, with over 300 women losing their lives each month due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Galtieri pointed out that two-thirds of these deaths could be avoided with proper medical care, yet the absence of funding has left hospitals understaffed and equipment outdated. Women and girls are also at higher risk of contracting diseases like malaria and cholera, which have spread rapidly due to poor sanitation and limited medical supplies.
Protection Services: Under Threat
Protection services for women and girls have been severely impacted by the funding crisis. UNFPA-supported safe spaces, which provide psychosocial support, vocational training, and legal aid, are struggling to meet demand. In 2023 alone, over 2 million women and girls in Yemen were estimated to have been victims of gender-based violence, with many unable to access shelters or legal assistance. Galtieri explained that the cuts have forced these programs to prioritize immediate needs over long-term recovery. As a result, survivors of violence are left without the resources to rebuild their lives, perpetuating cycles of trauma and economic hardship for women and girls.
Long-Term Impacts on Future Generations
The consequences of the funding cuts extend