Advocacy brief: The cost of war in Gaza on women and girls

The war in Gaza has created an extreme humanitarian crisis, with civilians facing death, displacement, hunger, and the collapse of essential services. Women and girls have been particularly affected, experiencing both direct violence and heightened risks linked to displacement, poverty, and limited access to healthcare and education. 

This advocacy brief examines how the war has impacted women and girls since October 2023. It draws on recent data and analysis to track patterns of violence, displacement, and service breakdowns, with a focus on how these experiences differ for women and girls over time. The report highlights both the scale of harm and the gaps in available data, especially around injuries and long-term effects.

The brief shows that women and girls account for a large share of casualties, with deaths reaching levels higher than in previous conflicts. It also highlights less visible impacts, including lifelong injuries, repeated displacement, and severe food insecurity. The report documents the collapse of reproductive health services, leaving many women without safe childbirth care, and the widespread damage to schools, which threatens girls’ education and future opportunities.

By combining data with a gender-focused perspective, the publication calls for stronger protection of civilians, improved data collection, and targeted humanitarian support. It stresses the need for international action to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery, ensuring that women and girls are not overlooked in responses to the crisis.