Women and girls accounted for one quarter of the more than 37,000 civilians killed in armed conflicts in 2025. Their share was twice the level recorded in 2021, according to the UN Secretary-General’s annual report on Women, Peace and Security. At least 25 women and girls are killed in conflict settings every day.
About 750 million women and girls now live within 50 kilometers of active fighting. Sexual violence linked to conflict is also increasing: the UN confirmed 9,788 cases in 2025, more than double the previous year’s total.
Despite these dangers, women remain largely outside peace negotiations. They represented only five percent of negotiators across 57 peace processes in 2025. Meanwhile, worldwide military spending reached a record $2.9 trillion that year.
Organizations supporting women face serious financial difficulties. In crisis-affected areas, 40 percent expect to close temporarily or permanently within the next year because they lack funding. UN Women is calling for stronger protection for women and girls, meaningful involvement in peace efforts, and continued financial support for peacebuilding led by women. It also calls for those responsible for crimes to be held accountable.
