russia on women and children in armed conflict; un

Russia's War in Ukraine: The Unaddressed Plight of Women and Children in Armed Conflict

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had a devastating impact on civilians, particularly women and children. According to recent reports, rising fears of gender-based violence (GBV) are prevalent, with many women and girls experiencing poor access to healthcare services, especially those who have survived GBV or are pregnant, expecting, or new mothers.

The Russian invasion has placed an unsustainable burden on women's unpaid care work, as schools remain closed and there is a high demand for volunteer work. With men either unemployed or serving in the armed forces, women have had to take on multiple jobs to make up for lost household income. This increased workload has led to significant stress and anxiety among women.

The Roma community has reported experiencing severe discrimination in both their daily lives and access to humanitarian aid. The Rapid Gender Analysis highlights that the war's impacts are disproportionately affecting internally displaced people, marginalized groups such as female-headed households, the Roma community, people with disabilities, and persons who identify as LGBTQIA+.

It is crucial that the humanitarian response in Ukraine addresses the different needs of women and girls, men and boys, including those who are furthest left behind. Unfortunately, women remain largely excluded from formal decision-making processes related to humanitarian efforts, peace-making, and other areas that directly impact their lives.

As the conflict enters its third month, women are increasingly becoming heads of households and leaders in their communities as men are conscripted into the fighting. It is essential that international organizations, governments, and aid agencies prioritize the needs of women and children in armed conflict and work towards ensuring their protection and participation in decision-making processes.

In conclusion, the plight of women and children in Ukraine's armed conflict is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention and action. It is imperative that humanitarian efforts prioritize the needs of these vulnerable populations and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable response to this crisis.

Russia on women and children in armed conflict; un