UN Women warns 11.7 million women and girls face food insecurity

UN Women has warned that approximately 11.7 million additional women and girls across 28 countries could face food insecurity by the end of the year. This projection stems from ongoing escalations in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have driven up food prices and damaged livelihoods.

In a medium-impact scenario, an additional 22 million people may face food insecurity, with women and girls accounting for 53 percent of that figure. This would add to the roughly 208 million women and girls already suffering from food insecurity or malnutrition in the studied nations.

Neradzai Gomweondo, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, noted that highly populated countries contain the largest numbers of women at risk. Specific regions facing concentrated risks due to conflict, displacement, and economic fragility include Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, Palestine, and Haiti. In Lebanon, the number of additional women and girls at risk represents nearly 4 percent of the country's female population, the second highest rate reported.

The agency is calling for an integrated response involving food and cash assistance, nutrition programs, and agricultural support, alongside diplomatic efforts to achieve peace and stability.