Women and girls continue to be denied their basic rights – It’s time to act

In 2024, millions of women and girls around the world have had their fundamental rights stripped away, from sexual and reproductive health to basic safety and dignity. From Palestine and Lebanon to Sudan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, the suffering of women and girls has reached a global crescendo. Despite well-meaning promises, the reality is stark: we are failing to protect their health, safety, and humanity.

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The devastating impacts of conflict and calamity have only deepened these injustices. Escalating violence has left women and girls in vulnerable positions, subjecting them to unimaginable levels of exploitation, abuse, and violence. Vital services, like maternal care, have been cut off, putting lives at risk. Reproductive health must never be sidelined in crises – it is essential to the survival and dignity of women and girls everywhere. Gender-based violence is rampant, and survivors lack the support they desperately need.

Crises are not just about the immediate toll of conflict; many women and girls die because they are denied access to critical reproductive health services and support for gender-based violence. Attacks on humanitarian workers and medical facilities in the Arab States are clear violations of international law, and they block life-saving care for thousands, including pregnant women. The protection of healthcare workers on the frontlines and uninterrupted access to services for women and girls are non-negotiable.

Even for those who flee violence, the battle does not end. Their needs remain urgent, yet barriers to aid continue to worsen their suffering. Humanitarian responses must prioritize reproductive health, ensuring women and girls have access to life-saving services like the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for reproductive health. This is not just about reducing maternal mortality – it’s about preventing sexual violence and safeguarding the health of future generations.

The international community must take immediate action, placing the protection and the rights of women and girls at the center of every effort. As we step into the New Year, there is no time to waste.
It’s time to act decisively – creating a safer, more equitable world where the rights and needs of every woman and girl are upheld, honored, and prioritized.

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