The 2015 State of World Population report assesses the vulnerabilities of the global population, with a particular focus on women and girls in crisis situation, especially those in displacement and refugee camps. It argues that women and girls have additional vulnerabilities in these situations, most notably pregnancy and childbirth. It calls for commitment to uphold the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls as agreed upon by countries of the world at international conferences, even in humanitarian crisis.
Key findings
- Data from a range of sources highlights the increased risk that many people face as the result of conflict, violence, instability and vulnerability to natural disasters. It also draws on data from the OECD’s Fragile States Index and INFORM to illustrate which regions and countries are facing acute risk and/or ongoing crisis.
- Of the (more than) 1 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, 25% are women and girls. The breakdown of services during crisis and gender inequality further compound vulnerability, women and girls are at heightened risk of: sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; unintended, unwanted pregnancy; maternal death and illness; and sexual- and gender-based violence.
- During and after any kind of crisis, gender-based violence often soars: as a weapon of war and also as a result of increased risk following a crisis due to lack of privacy, a greater number of women engaging in transactional sex to meet financial needs, and and increased exposure to trafficking.
- Women and girls face obstacles to sexual and reproductive health before, during and after crises. To date, the supply of assistance aimed at meeting the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls has not kept pace with the demand. For example, maternal assistance and access to sexual health services often declines during periods of crisis. While remarkable progress in targeting humanitarian services to women and girls has been achieved in the past decade, gender inequality and discrimination continue to negatively affect well-intentioned humanitarian responses.
Recommendations
- Sexual and reproductive health needs to be the centre of humanitarian action. In order to prevent maternal and infant mortality, reduce HIV transmission, and prevent and manage the consequences of sexual violence humanitarian action needs to prioritise a number of services including: emergency obstetric and newborn care; supplies for clean and safe deliveries; access to contraception and anti-retrovirals.
- A fundamental shift is needed- from reacting to disasters and conflicts as they unfold and sometimes linger for decades, towards prevention, preparedness, and empowerment of individuals and communities to withstand and recover from them. This includes fostering resilience through education and health, managing risks better. This requires eliminating the distinction between humanitarian action and development. The former can lay the foundations for long-term development, and the latter can support preparedness.
- Break the vicious cycle of discrimination and inequality. As long as inequality and inequitable access short-circuit their rights, abilities and opportunities, women and girls will remain among those most in need of humanitarian assistance and least equipped to contribute to recovery or resilience.
