Jonathan, Narinjara News, 11 March 2025

On March 8, the United Nations reported that 10.4 million women and girls in Myanmar are in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

In a declaration issued on International Women's Day, the UN underscored the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where over one-third of the population requires assistance. Among those impacted, 10.4 million women and girls are experiencing the most extreme effects of various crises.

Although there has been a worldwide drop in aid, the UN and its humanitarian partners, which include many women-led organizations, are striving to deliver essential support to 2.86 million of Myanmar's most at-risk women and girls, the statement emphasized.

The UN further highlighted that the rising conflict, growing displacement, frequent natural disasters, and economic breakdown in Myanmar have undone earlier advancements, exacerbating gender inequalities.

Local women's groups have indicated an increase in gender-based violence, such as intimate partner violence and conflict-related sexual violence. Financial struggles have deteriorated living conditions, driving numerous women into abusive circumstances. In the meantime, the statement noted that healthcare services—particularly for sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and psychosocial support—are still significantly underfunded.

The restricted access to maternal healthcare, family planning, and essential services for addressing gender-based violence jeopardizes the lives and prospects of women and girls. With the escalation of conflict, women and girls encounter increased dangers of trafficking, unsafe migration, and exploitation while searching for safety in more secure locations. Numerous individuals are compelled to flee their residences lacking safe housing or essential services, which increases their susceptibility, the statement noted.

Recurring natural disasters additionally exacerbate these risks, highlighting the critical requirement for gender-responsive disaster readiness, durable housing options, and community-driven recovery initiatives, as stated.

This year, the UN has embraced the theme "For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." for International Women's Day and urges urgent action and increased investment in gender equality in Myanmar.

The UN, along with its humanitarian partners, intends to provide life-saving support to 2.86 million of the most at-risk women and girls in Myanmar. In spite of worldwide reductions in assistance, the statement highlighted that this is not the moment to give up.

The UN Secretary-General wrapped up his message for International Women's Day with the statement, " Together, we must stand firm in making human rights, equality, and empowerment a reality for all women and girls, for everyone, everywhere."