UN Women Calls for Safe Aid and Recovery for Gaza Women

UN Women has called for urgent action to ensure that the ceasefire in Gaza brings safety, recovery, and rights for women and girls. They emphasized that women should be at the heart of all humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.

At a press briefing in Geneva, Sofia Calltorp, UN Women Chief of Humanitarian Action, said, “Every woman who rebuilds a bakery, a clinic, or a classroom is rebuilding peace. Every dollar invested in women-led aid generates an $8 return for the community.” She stressed that supporting women is crucial to rebuilding Gaza and its future.

Currently, the needs of women and girls in Gaza are extremely high. Over one million women and girls need food aid, and almost 250,000 require urgent nutrition support. Calltorp said the ceasefire is an opportunity to deliver help quickly, prevent famine, and save lives.

She highlighted the devastating impact of the war on women: for two years, roughly two women and girls were killed every hour. Most women in Gaza have been displaced at least four times. The ceasefire is their first chance to find safety and start rebuilding, but many still lack proper shelter as winter approaches.

One in seven families in Gaza is led by a woman, meaning aid must reach them directly. They need assistance to feed their children, access healthcare, rebuild livelihoods, and regain stability.

Calltorp emphasized that how aid is delivered matters. If women’s needs are not prioritized, and women’s organizations are not included in recovery efforts, women risk being excluded from Gaza’s future.

UN Women is now working closely with the UN system on the ground to scale up life-saving assistance. Their work includes distributing aid, supporting women-led initiatives, and ensuring that women actively participate in rebuilding the communities affected by the conflict.

The organization’s message is clear: investing in women is not just about humanitarian help, it is also investing in peace, recovery, and long-term development. Properly supporting women and girls today can create stronger, more resilient communities for tomorrow.