UN report reveals funding cuts have harmed 1 million women and girls globally

At least 1 million women and girls have lost access to essential support due to significant funding cuts over the past 18 months, as reported by the United Nations on July 10, 2026. The alarming findings indicate that organizations focused on women's services are struggling to meet rising demands amidst dwindling resources.

Impact of Global Aid Cuts on Women

The UN Women report highlights a critical situation where 90 percent of organizations serving women cannot fulfill needs on the ground. Despite the increasing demand for services, funding has evaporated, leading to dire consequences for vulnerable populations.

Organizations across 52 vulnerable countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, and Afghanistan, participated in the survey, revealing that 40 percent face potential shutdowns due to insufficient funding within the next year.

Consequences of Reduced Funding

As funding diminishes, the report underscores a troubling trend: 60 percent of organizations reported reaching fewer women and girls since January 2025, despite the increased need for support. Many organizations are forced to place individuals on waiting lists or turn them away entirely.

Furthermore, 62 percent of organizations have reported having no safe spaces available for women, leading to a reduction in services aimed at combating gender-based violence.

Statements from UN Officials

Sofia Calltorp, UN Women’s chief of humanitarian action, commented on the crisis, stating, “The women’s organizations at risk of being shut down are on the frontlines of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.” Calltorp emphasized the severe repercussions of funding withdrawals, stating, “Every dollar withdrawn from women’s organizations is a dollar withdrawn from survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, displaced mothers, girls forced from school, and communities struggling to survive.”

The report calls for urgent action to restore funding and support to organizations that play a vital role in assisting women and girls during humanitarian crises.