Ukraine: The impact of the war on women and girls
The war in Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll on the lives of millions of women and girls – from exacerbating the risks of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse to eliminating livelihoods and increasing poverty levels. The large-scale destruction of infrastructure has also left services for survivors of violence, health care and other critical forms of support out of reach for many.
UNFPA is working with partners in Ukraine to ensure women and girls can access life-saving reproductive health and protection services. Mobile teams are providing psychosocial support to people in need in hard-to-reach areas of the country. Survivor relief centres, safe spaces and online services are being expanded to support survivors of violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. Mobile units and a maternity unit providing emergency obstetric care are taking reproductive health services to women and girls in remote areas.
By working collaboratively with partners and mobilizing resources to serve even the most hard-to-reach areas, UNFPA strives to mitigate the long-term impact of the war on the lives of women and girls, helping to ensure that they not only survive but also have the necessary support to rebuild their lives and communities. Women and girls now have access to 28 mobile gynaecological teams, operating in 23 regions of Ukraine, offering confidential and free medical and psychosocial assistance. Some 107 barrier-free gynecological access centers are also operating in 23 regions of Ukraine, where individuals can receive confidential and free medical and psychosocial assistance. These sexual and reproductive health service centres are equipped with modern technology, essential medications, and tools for the prevention of HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
UNFPA is also present in the Republic of Moldova and other neighbouring countries, responding to the protection and health needs of refugees, including women, girls and young people.
UNFPA urgently requires long-term, flexible funding to address the needs of those affected in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, including for essential medical supplies and the deployment of additional personnel for the provision of life-saving services. In 2024, UNFPA is appealing for $94.4 million. This includes $75 million for Ukraine and $19.4 million for the refugee response in neighbouring countries.
Updated 26 December 2023
