critical support due to drastic cuts to foreign aid since January 2025. A UN Women report decries the collapse of women's organizations at a time of soaring need. US President Donald Trump slashed foreign aid after taking office, while other donor nations also tightened budgets. With armed conflicts at their highest since World War II, around 120 million women and girls require humanitarian assistance and protection.

The report, based on 855 women-led organizations across 52 crisis-affected countries, found that 84 percent saw increased demand since January 2025. Nearly nine in ten cannot meet current needs, and two in five expect to shut down within the next year. To stay afloat, 65 percent of staff work without pay, and nearly half report rising burnout.

Conflict-related sexual violence doubled in 2025, just as protection systems collapse. Eighty-six percent of organizations report increased gender-based violence in their communities. The consequences are devastating: shelters shutting down, pregnant women walking hours for healthcare, and mothers denied food for their children. UN Women emphasized these cuts extend beyond humanitarian response. One in five organizations has suspended work advancing women's leadership and gender equality, while over half report declining female participation in community leadership—all against a global backlash on women's rights. (Bssnews)