Women do not stop giving birth, and risks of gender-based violence increase during conflicts and disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored existing inequalities and the disproportionate impact of crises on women and girls. In response, UNFPA’s life-saving work is more important than ever. 

The UNFPA Humanitarian Action 2021 Overview highlights the needs and rights of women and adolescent girls in emergencies, which are often overlooked. UNFPA is appealing for $818 million, to reach 54 million women, girls and young people, including 35 million women of reproductive age, 29 million adolescents and young people, and over 4 million pregnant women in 68 countries.

This is UNFPA’s largest ever humanitarian appeal with an emphasis on the provision of integrated services for sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence prevention and response, and mental health and psychosocial support. UNFPA calls for more investment in local women-led organizations as well as youth organizations that work as frontline responders and changemakers. The appeal also outlines the importance of taking a coordinated approach for humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In collaboration with our partners and in solidarity with communities, UNFPA is adapting to evolving needs and innovating, based on data and evidence, to reach those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extraordinary cooperation and resourcefulness in 2020 enabled us to reach more than 7 million women in 53 countries with sexual and reproductive health services, 4.4 million people with family planning supplies and services, and 2.8 million people with services to address gender-based violence.

Invest in Women and Girls in Humanitarian Crises

This film, produced by students at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts in collaboration with the UNFPA Humanitarian Office, highlights the disproportionate impact of humanitarian crises on women and adolescent girls and the need for greater investment in their health, protection and leadership. The credits can be found at the end of the film.