Gender alert: The immediate and long-term impact of the military escalation in the Middle East on women and girls

This gender alert examines how the recent military escalation in the Middle East is affecting women and girls, both immediately and over time. It shows that conflict is not gender-neutral: women and girls face heightened risks due to existing inequalities that limit their access to resources, services, and decision-making.

The analysis highlights rising displacement, loss of life, and increasing exposure to violence, alongside growing pressure on health systems and reduced access to essential services. It also draws attention to worsening food insecurity, loss of livelihoods, and the growing burden of unpaid care work, which disproportionately falls on women and girls.

Beyond the region, the analysis shows how economic shocks—such as rising prices and disrupted supply chains—are affecting communities across Asia, the Caucasus, and Africa. At the same time, shrinking civic space and funding cuts are weakening women-led organizations that are often at the forefront of crisis response. Despite limited gender data, the report provides an initial evidence-based assessment and underscores the urgent need for better data to inform policy and action.

The gender alert calls for immediate and coordinated efforts to protect women and girls, ensure access to humanitarian assistance, support livelihoods, and include women in peace and recovery processes. It stresses that advancing gender equality is essential to building lasting peace and resilience.