Nairobi: Women organizations are on the brink of extinction globally due to reduced funding, the United Nations has warned. UN Women, an entity dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women, has raised alarms about the potential shutdown of organizations aiding women and girls in crises due to significant aid cuts.
According to Kenya News Agency, UN Women Humanitarian Action Chief Sofia Calltorp highlighted that only US Dollars 3.05 billion of the required US Dollars 44.79 billion in funding has been secured. This financial shortfall is forcing humanitarian actors to scale back essential operations and prioritize urgent needs in these organizations. Nearly half of the women's rights organizations in 73 countries face slowed operations and potential closure due to the drastic funding reductions.
Calltorp emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating that women and girls cannot afford to lose the lifelines provided by women's organizations. Despite their crucial roles, these organizations have historically been underfunded. Supporting and resourcing them is not only about equality and rights but also a strategic imperative, she added.
Findings from a survey conducted by UN Women in March across 44 humanitarian and crisis settings, including Kenya, revealed that 90 percent of surveyed organizations have been financially impacted by the funding cuts. The most affected areas include Gender Based Violence response, protection, livelihoods, multipurpose cash assistance, and health care. Other areas likely to be affected are Advocacy, Coordination, Education, and Food Security, with Women and Peace and Security and Social Inclusion also at risk.
Around 62 percent of women-led and women's rights organizations have had to reduce services, while 51 percent have suspended programs. A significant 33 percent are facing severe cash flow issues. If current conditions persist, 47 percent of these organizations expect to shut down within six months, while 35 percent are uncertain about their future. Only 18 percent have prospects of staying operational for more than a year.
The survey findings also indicate that due to financial constraints, 72 percent of these organizations have already laid off staff, and 51 percent have suspended operations, leaving beneficiaries exposed to potential threats. Calltorp reiterated that UN Women will continue advocating for enhanced funding to ensure that vulnerable women and girls continue receiving necessary support.
Despite the challenges, women's organizations remain determined, leading with courage and advocating for their communities. UN Women stands with these organizations, echoing their call for sustained funding, recognizing their role as cornerstones of humanitarian response, driving change, and delivering critical support to women, girls, and communities in crises worldwide.