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Conflict’s Toll on Women Surges as 676 Million Live Near War Zones

New UN findings point to record exposure that is linked to worsening health, safety and economic outcomes for women.

Overview

  • UN Women, Peace and Security reporting for 2025 shows 676 million women now live within 50 km of active conflict, the highest level in decades.
  • Civilian casualties among women and children have quadrupled in the most recent two-year period, while conflict-related sexual violence rose by 87 percent.
  • Maternal deaths are about 50 percent higher in conflict-affected areas, with damaged health systems and disrupted services compounding risk.
  • Internal displacement reached a record 83.4 million in 2025, mostly driven by conflict and violence, deepening women’s vulnerability to trafficking and abuse.
  • Despite bearing the heaviest burdens, women remain underrepresented in peace processes and local women’s groups receive a reported 0.4 percent of humanitarian aid, as experts also warn that AI-enabled weapons could heighten civilian harm.