UN Women Urges Support for WLOs in Gaza and West Bank Amid Humanitarian Crisis

The latest Gender Alert from UN Women highlights the critical role of Palestinian WLOs, despite facing daunting challenges and operating in some of the most perilous areas.

UN Women has issued a stark call to action for urgent, coordinated support for women-led organizations (WLOs) operating in Gaza and the West Bank, as they navigate the severe humanitarian crisis affecting women and girls in the region.

The latest Gender Alert from UN Women highlights the critical role of Palestinian WLOs, despite facing daunting challenges and operating in some of the most perilous areas. These organizations, comprising 1,575 staff members across Gaza and the West Bank, have been at the forefront of providing essential services amidst widespread devastation. However, the report reveals a grim reality: 89% of surveyed organizations have suffered office damage, with 35% experiencing complete destruction, severely impacting their ability to deliver assistance.

Key findings from the UN Women assessment underscore the resilience of WLOs, with close to 60% operating at full capacity despite overwhelming obstacles. These organizations have pivoted towards emergency relief efforts, including the distribution of non-food items (64%), food (56%), cash assistance (48%), and critical protection services such as psychosocial support.

Financial challenges loom large, however, with 56% of WLOs reporting decreased funding and 88% facing significant financial difficulties. This financial strain compromises their ability to sustain operations and deliver crucial services to vulnerable communities.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous emphasized the vital role of WLOs in preserving the dignity and future prospects of women and girls amidst crisis. Bahous called for robust international support to bolster the resilience of these organizations, stressing that investing in WLOs is not only imperative for immediate relief but also for fostering an inclusive humanitarian response that prioritizes the most marginalized.

In response to these urgent needs, UN Women and WLOs urge the international community to take decisive action: increase funding to ensure sustained operations, advocate for improved humanitarian access to reach those most in need, and integrate WLOs into all levels of humanitarian coordination to enhance effectiveness and inclusivity.

The call to action underscores the critical importance of supporting WLOs as key agents of change in crisis response and recovery efforts in Gaza and the West Bank.