Proportion Of Women Killed In Armed Conflicts Doubles In 2023: UN Report

According to a UN report released on Wednesday, the proportion of women killed in armed conflicts doubled last year compared to 2022. The findings in the Secretary-General’s latest annual report on women, peace, and security noted that four out of every ten people who died as a result of conflict in 2023 were women.

Also, women in war zones are increasingly suffering from restricted access to healthcare. Every day, 500 women and girls in conflict-affected countries reportedly die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. The report from UN Women, which looks at the security situation for women and girls affected by war, says that UN recorded at least 33,443 civilian deaths in armed conflicts in 2023, representing a 72% increase compared with 2022, and the proportion of women and children killed doubled and tripled, respectively.

It is to be noted that the UN-verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence increased by 50%. Meanwhile, the report also mentioned that one of the key challenges is a severe lack of funding. While global military expenditures reached a record $2.44 trillion in 2023, funding for organizations and movements that support women’s rights averages just 0.3% of total aid annually. 

Additionally, investments in gender-based violence prevention and response make up less than 1% of all humanitarian spending. "We are witnessing the weaponization of gender equality on many fronts, if we do not stand up and demand change, the consequences will be felt for decades, and peace will remain elusive,” said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous in a statement.