Photo credit: OCHA

Four years into the conflict in Ukraine, more than 5,000 women and girls have been reported harmed and thousands more injured, with 2025 being one of the most intense years of the war. The continuing violence has pushed humanitarian needs to new highs, but a deep drop in funding for women-led support groups is creating a new challenge for those who rely on vital services.

A recent report from UN Women highlights a growing crisis for women-led and women’s rights organizations in Ukraine. With funding declines projected to persist through 2025 and 2026, many groups warn that they may only be able to continue operating for a few more months if new financial support does not arrive. These organizations have been at the forefront of delivering protection services, legal help, counselling, and community support — especially for women and girls in far-flung or heavily affected areas.

The report shows that women-led groups could lose tens of millions of dollars in funding by the end of 2026. This funding gap threatens to stop or scale back services that aid tens of thousands of women and girls who are already in urgent need, including those facing instability, displacement, or limited access to basic services. Without intervention, the cuts could put critical support out of reach for many who depend on it.

The drop in funding comes at a time when the broader humanitarian situation in Ukraine remains severe. Millions of people, including women, are still displaced and require assistance such as health care, shelter, and protection services. Nearly 6.7 million women are estimated to be in need of humanitarian support due to the ongoing conflict and associated economic pressures.

Women in Ukraine have also faced increased challenges in daily life as services such as electricity, heating, and water have been disrupted by attacks on infrastructure, compounding hardships for families and communities. The consequences of these disruptions have a disproportionate impact on women who often bear the main responsibility for caregiving and household management.

Despite these difficulties, many women continue to play key roles in response and recovery efforts. They serve as community organizers, aid workers, and business founders, helping to keep essential services running and contributing to resilience efforts across the country. Experts warn that sustained international support is crucial if these contributions are to continue and if long-term recovery efforts are to include women’s voices and needs.

Without stable funding, women-led organizations risk being unable to maintain the programs that protect and help women and girls during this prolonged crisis — leaving many without the support they count on at a time when needs are greater than ever.