A recent report by UN Women warns that approximately 11.7 million women and girls in the Middle East are at risk of food insecurity by the end of 2026. This is due to escalating conflicts in the region and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The report highlights that women and girls make up 53% of the 22 million people likely to face food insecurity in 28 countries studied.
The analysis reveals that the situation is dire, with women and girls already facing food insecurity or undernutrition in these countries. The number of women and girls affected is estimated to be around 208 million. The report emphasizes that these estimates are based on scenarios, not predictions. The disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have led to increased energy, fertilizer, and transportation costs, resulting in higher food prices.
The report warns that the combination of higher food prices, potential loss of income, and livelihoods could make it more difficult for people to access food. The existing gender inequalities in the labor market and access to financial services leave women with fewer resources to cope with these shocks. The report highlights that countries with large populations, such as Sudan, Haiti, and Yemen, are more vulnerable to food insecurity.
The report identifies countries with concentrated risks, including South Sudan, Sudan, Haiti, and Yemen. These countries face overlapping sources of vulnerability, making them more susceptible to food insecurity. The report emphasizes that a comprehensive response is needed to address the situation.
UN Women is calling for an integrated response that combines food assistance, cash transfers, and support for nutrition, protection, and agriculture. The organization also emphasizes the importance of ensuring women's access to land, credit, services, and other productive assets. This, they argue, will help mitigate the effects of food insecurity.
The report's findings are based on an analysis of the risks to food security linked to the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East. The analysis highlights the need for urgent action to address the situation. The report's authors stress that the situation is critical and requires immediate attention from governments, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders.
The warning from UN Women highlights the urgent need for action to address the growing risk of food insecurity in the Middle East. With millions of women and girls at risk, it is essential that governments, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders work together to provide support and assistance to those affected.
Key points
- 11.7 million women and girls in Middle East face food insecurity due to conflicts
- Women make up 53% of 22 million people likely to face food insecurity
- Comprehensive response needed to address food insecurity in Middle East
