From displacement and sexual violence to leadership and resilience, women and girls are uniquely affected by war. Here’s how—and what’s being done.

War doesn’t treat everyone the same.
And when violence erupts—whether through civil unrest, political instability, or full-scale invasion—it’s often women and girls who suffer the most.

While they may not be on the frontlines holding weapons, they are on the frontlines of survival: caring for children, fleeing with only what they can carry, enduring loss, and trying to rebuild shattered lives amid chaos.

In 2025, global conflict is surging. And so is its impact on the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The Gendered Toll of War

According to the UN, women and children make up nearly 80% of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. But displacement is just the beginning.

In conflict zones, women and girls face:

  • Sexual violence as a weapon of war
  • Forced marriages and human trafficking
  • Lack of access to basic healthcare and hygiene
  • Loss of education and income opportunities

From Ukraine to Sudan, Gaza to Myanmar, stories of gender-based violence and exploitation are rising. And yet, amid devastation, so are stories of unbreakable strength.

Women as Pillars of Resilience

In nearly every war-torn region, women are stepping up—not just to survive, but to lead.

🧕 Women are organizing underground schools in Afghanistan.
🌍 Syrian women are founding refugee cooperatives to support families in exile.
🩺 Female doctors in Gaza and Ukraine are performing surgeries without water or power.
🗳️ Women in post-conflict zones are running for office to rebuild what was lost.

They are not passive victims. They are architects of recovery.

Why Representation Matters in Peacebuilding

Historically, women have been excluded from peace talks and post-war planning. But when women are involved in negotiating peace:

  • Agreements are 35% more likely to last
  • Recovery plans are more inclusive and sustainable
  • Human rights issues—including education, healthcare, and safety—are prioritized

Organizations like UN Women and Women for Women International are pushing to ensure that women are not just protected in war zones—they are empowered in rebuilding efforts.

How You Can Help From Home

Even from thousands of miles away, you can support women and girls in conflict zones:

  • Donate to reputable organizations providing aid to women in war (like Women for Women International, UNHCR, or CARE).
  • Support refugee-owned businesses in your local area or online.
  • Stay informed and share stories that center women’s experiences.
  • Advocate for international policies that protect women in conflict.

Closing Thought

War tests humanity—and women show us what it means to rise from the rubble.
They carry children through borders, bury their dead, lead without recognition, and heal without rest.

Their stories are not just tragic—they are powerful. And they deserve to be heard.