Since Russia invaded Ukraine last month, over 1.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes, and thousands more killed or injured.
According to UN Women, 54% of those in need of assistance as a result of the crisis are girls and women. Amid conflicts like the one we're seeing unfold in Ukraine, the UN states that women and girls are disproportionately affected.
Displaced women are now experiencing a lack of healthcare, housing, and employment. And those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or from single-headed households will face harsher and more extreme challenges ahead of them.
Alongside struggling to keep themselves and their families alive, women in Ukraine will also be at an increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence. Experts have warned that incidents of physical and sexual assault against women and girls will soar as the crisis worsens, and the effects of displacement are more keenly felt.
Meanwhile, there are over 32,000 women serving in the Ukrainian military - which, according to the foreign ministry, means they make up over 15% of the country's armed forces. Many of these women will be called to active service, and risk their lives to defend their country.
Because of Russia's ongoing invasion and the continuing state of crisis in Ukraine, state authorities and civil society organizations have a limited capacity to help women facing immediate risks.
That is why, this International Women's Day, it is vital that we stand in solidarity with those women impacted by the war in Ukraine.Here's how you can support women in Ukraine:
To help give you an idea of what you can do, we've listed some of the amazing charities and organizations providing urgent help to women affected by the crisis that you can donate to this International Women's Day.
UN Women"We will continue to work with our security specialists on the ground and local civil society partners to support women, and ensure those particularly at risk in conflict (displaced persons, HIV positive, Roma women, disabled women) are not left behind."
Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights"UAF is committed to supporting women, trans, and nonbinary activists on the ground in and surrounding Ukraine by providing flexible funding and security support."
Transport A Sister / Help Ukraine 2022"We help to organize transport for people fleeing from Ukraine all free of charge."
CARE Ukraine Crisis Fund"A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Ukraine as attacks of war put millions of lives at risk. Innocent families, women and girls, and the elderly will suffer most. CARE’s immediate crisis response aims to reach 4 million with your help."
Ukrainian Women's Fund"The Ukrainian Women's Fund fosters the development of a strong, massive and effective women's /feminist movement capable of protecting women's rights and promoting gender equality in all areas."
What else can you do?
As well as donating to charities and organizations providing emergency relief, there are other ways to show your solidarity with the women affected by the crisis.
Join a protest in your local area, stay informed by reading the news from trusted sources, sign petitions, and write to your local politicians calling for more to be done. It's also important to keep spreading awareness and amplifying women's voices through social media and other channels.
Additionally, if you would like to know more about how you can support the people Ukraine and other marginalized groups during these difficult times, click HERE.
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