As we observe the milestone of two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and a decade since the annexation of Crimea and the beginning of the war, the country’s social and economic fabric is being stretched to breaking point, and pushing its healthcare system to the brink and exacerbating the suffering of women and girls.
The overwhelming challenges facing the people of Ukraine continue to be gut-wrenching: Over 10 million forced to leave their homes, the majority being women and children, escalating gender-based violence, and an alarming rise in gendered poverty. A third of households led by women are struggling to feed themselves, and 60% of older women cannot meet their basic needs. Amidst this, premature births surge and healthcare grows inaccessible for many. We face a dire shortage of personnel to provide critical services to the 2.5 million people anticipated to confront Gender-Based Violence in the coming year, notably acute for displaced women and girls near the frontlines and survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.
Amidst this humanitarian crisis and ongoing devastation, we must all remember that access to sexual and reproductive health is fundamental to all people’s health and survival and the well-being of humanity. This human right must be safeguarded at all costs. Last year, UNFPA worked with the Government of Ukraine and our trusted partners, to bolster reproductive health and protection services across the country, reaching over 850,000 people with reproductive health and gender-based violence prevention and treatment services.
Our initiatives extend beyond providing medical assistance; they are lifelines to survivors of Gender-Based Violence, offering critical support services, including counselling, legal aid, and safe shelters, especially for those affected by Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. A network of more than 100 Psychosocial support mobile teams works across the country thanks to the dedication and efforts of our local partners. Our mobile health clinics bring necessary services to local communities, providing vital prenatal care to expectant mothers in areas where healthcare facilities are no longer operational, making the difference between life and death in some cases.
UNFPA wholly supports the Government of Ukraine and is committed to every woman, girl, and young person. We urge global solidarity from the international community to shine a spotlight on those in need, call for peace, and support Ukraine. Let this somber moment serve as a clarion call to remember the women and girls whose lives continue to be imperilled by the ongoing missile threats and attacks on essential infrastructure. Ukrainian women's resilience amidst war is a beacon of hope. Their rights are non-negotiable. It's time to amplify our support.
We must reaffirm our commitment to a future for Ukraine where dignity, safety and equality are not just ideals but realities for all. The world may be moving on, but real lives are still in peril. It's a moment not just to reflect on the devastation but to inspire action from a growing sense of apathy: childbirth continues during the war, violence against women and girls increases, the essential reproductive health services, especially for women and girls continue to be severely compromised, and young people deserve normalcy and stability. Our collective actions can ensure they receive the resilience services, mental health support, and education they so rightly deserve.
by Massimo Diana, UNFPA Representative in Ukraine
