UN women report reveals alarming toll on mothers in Gaza conflict

A recent report by UN Women highlights the devastating impact of the Gaza conflict, revealing that women and children constitute nearly 70 percent of the casualties during the more than 100 days of hostilities. Shockingly, the report states that two mothers lose their lives every hour, underscoring the disproportionate toll on women amid the ongoing crisis.

The conflict in Gaza has claimed over 23,000 lives, as reported by Gazan health authorities, with around 16,000 victims being women or children. UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous emphasized the recurrent tragedy of women and children as the primary victims of conflict, lamenting the collective failure to secure peace and warning of the enduring generational trauma faced by the Palestinian people.

Expressing deep concern, UN Women specifically addressed accounts of sexual violence and gender-based violence during the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October that ignited the conflict. The agency calls for accountability, justice, and support for all affected individuals and urges the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.

UN Women categorizes the Gaza conflict as a profound protection crisis for women, emphasizing the absence of safety within the enclave. The report highlights the challenges faced by close to a million displaced women and girls, who grapple with difficult decisions regarding evacuation, compounded by gender-specific fears and experiences, including risks of attacks and harassment while on the move.

The report estimates that at least 3,000 women may have become widows and heads of households, leaving over 10,000 children fatherless. This situation increases concerns about families resorting to desperate coping mechanisms such as early marriage. Despite these challenges, women’s rights organizations persist in operating, focusing primarily on emergency response amid the crisis.

Despite the ongoing crisis, a November survey conducted by UN Women revealed that 83 percent of women-led organizations, along with one youth-led group, were partially operating. However, the report notes a significant gap in funding, with less than one percent of the 2023 Flash Appeal for Gaza directly supporting women’s groups.

UN Women’s six-month response plan includes emergency assistance for female-headed households, support for requested items, and collaboration with women-led organizations to address gender-based violence and protection challenges.