Women and girls accounted for a quarter of the more than 37,000 civilians killed in armed conflict in 2025, according to a UN report. Their share was double the figure in 2021. At least 25 women and girls are killed every day in conflict settings.
Around 750 million women and girls now live within 50 kilometres of active fighting. This is 40 million more than in 2024 and the highest number since 1990. The UN also confirmed 9,788 cases of sexual violence linked to conflict in 2025, more than twice the previous year’s total.
Despite these dangers, women remain largely excluded from peace talks. They represented just five per cent of negotiators, the people working to reach agreements, across 57 peace processes in 2025. Meanwhile, global spending on armed forces reached a record $2.9 trillion.
Organisations supporting women face serious financial problems. In areas affected by crises, 40 per cent expect to close temporarily or permanently within a year because they lack money. UN Women is calling for better protection for women and girls, meaningful involvement in peace efforts and reliable financial support for peacebuilding led by women. It also wants those responsible for crimes to face punishment.
