# Gender-based vulnerabilities in Gaza > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gender-based-vulnerabilities-in-gaza > Updated: 2026-09-23T08:34:13.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The humanitarian situation for women and girls in the Gaza Strip has deteriorated significantly due to the ongoing conflict. UN Women reported that nearly one in four households is now headed by a woman alone, a rate that has doubled since before October 2023. These female-headed households, often composed of widows or those with missing or displaced husbands, face extreme difficulties accessing food, water, and essential services. Subsequent reports from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) highlight a sharp rise in gender-based violence and the erosion of social structures. Data indicates a 123% increase in early and forced marriages involving girls aged 12 to 17 during the second quarter of the year compared to the first quarter. UNFPA representative Nestor Owomuhangi described these trends as ‘shocking,’ noting that displacement and the destruction of social systems have left women and girls vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. In some cases, extreme food insecurity and the desire to avoid social stigma have driven families to marry off young daughters or force victims of sexual violence into marriage with their abusers. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: Gaza sees 123% rise in early marriages amid rising gender-based violence The UNFPA reports a 123% increase in early and forced marriages in Gaza, warning that the conflict has heightened risks of gender-based violence and exploitation for women and girls. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gaza-sees-123-rise-in-early-marriages-amid-rising-gender-based-violence ### 2026-09-08: UN reports highlight rising female-headed households in Gaza UN reports highlight that one in four Gaza households is now headed by a woman alone. Other updates include violence in Sudan, WHO warnings on tobacco and fertility, and trade risks in the Strait of Hormuz. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-reports-highlight-rising-female-headed-households-in-gaza --- Cite as: Gender-based vulnerabilities in Gaza. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gender-based-vulnerabilities-in-gaza