Rising Toll: Women Bear the Brunt in Global Conflict Zones, UN Reports

The United Nations has reported a troubling rise in the number of women killed in armed conflicts, with women accounting for 40 percent of all conflict-related fatalities in 2023—double the proportion reported in 2022. According to the Secretary-General’s latest report on women, peace, and security, this surge in female deaths highlights the ongoing vulnerability of women in war zones.

“This rise in death and violence is happening against a backdrop of increasing blatant disregard for international law, which is designed to protect women and children during war,” stated UN Women, the lead agency behind the report. The findings underscore an urgent need for reinforced protections and improved global responses to the unique risks faced by women in conflict-affected areas.