The Gendered Health Crisis in Global Conflicts
Takeaways
| Key Points |
|---|
| Global conflicts in regions like Syria, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have intensified gender-specific health crises, particularly for women and girls who face increased risks of sexual violence, physical harm, and psychological trauma amid collapsing healthcare systems. |
| These conditions severely limit access to essential services such as maternal care, contraception, and mental health support, heightening rates of maternal mortality, stillbirths, and untreated mental disorders like PTSD and depression. |
| In conflict zones and refugee camps, gender-based violence—including rape and trafficking—is rampant, while cultural stigmas and weakened legal systems obstruct survivors’ access to justice and healthcare. |
| Despite international frameworks like the Beijing Platform for Action, the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health, and various UN resolutions, significant barriers remain in implementing effective and comprehensive responses. |
| Nevertheless, women continue to play a vital role as frontline health workers and leaders in these crises, supported by global initiatives from organizations such as WHO and UNHCR that seek to improve access to reproductive and mental health services, though greater funding and commitment are urgently needed. |
Introduction: The Intersection of Gender and Conflict
Global conflicts disproportionately affect women and girls. When violence erupts, gender-specific health issues become magnified. Armed conflicts disrupt societies and strain healthcare systems, further marginalizing vulnerable populations, especially women. Women in war zones face unique health crises due to systemic gender inequalities and targeted violence.
Overview of Global Conflicts and How They Exacerbate Gender-Specific Health Crises
Conflicts such as those in Syria, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have not only led to widespread destruction but have exacerbated gender-based health disparities. Women face sexual violence, physical harm, and psychological trauma, while access to basic healthcare becomes severely limited. In many conflict zones, healthcare infrastructure collapses, leaving women without essential services such as maternal healthcare, mental health support, or treatment for injuries and illnesses.
International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UNHCR have reported that displaced women in conflict zones face severe reproductive health issues, including a lack of access to contraception and antenatal care. This lack of access increases the risk of maternal mortality and complications during childbirth.
Health Impacts of Conflict on Women and Girls
- Physical Health Issues: Women in conflict areas suffer from both immediate and long-term physical injuries. Bombings, gun violence, and malnutrition are rampant in war-torn regions. Moreover, women who are survivors of conflict-related violence often deal with chronic physical pain and long-term disabilities.
- Psychological Health: PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common among women who have survived war. Psychological trauma stems not only from direct violence but also from displacement, the loss of loved ones, and the uncertainty about their future.
Gender-Based Violence, Sexual Exploitation, and Trafficking
Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
GBV, including rape, sexual exploitation, and trafficking, escalates in conflict situations. In conflicts like those in the DRC and Syria, reports have documented widespread sexual violence as a weapon of war. Trafficking of women for sexual exploitation is also rampant in refugee camps, where law enforcement is weak and perpetrators act with impunity.
Reproductive Health Challenges
Access to reproductive health services is severely limited in war zones due to the collapse of healthcare systems. Pregnant women lack access to skilled birth attendants, leading to high maternal mortality rates. Limited access to contraception, safe abortion services, and postnatal care further exacerbate the crisis. In places like Yemen, the collapse of healthcare services has led to increased risks of stillbirths, infections, and maternal deaths.
In Yemen, less than half of all births have skilled health workers present, according to UNICEF. Every two hours, one mother and six newborns die because of pregnancy complications that could mostly be prevented. This happens because many people do not have access to proper health care.
Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Zones
Case Studies
Gender-based violence in conflict zones is widespread, with Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as particularly stark examples. In both countries, sexual violence has been used systematically as a weapon of war to terrorize communities. For example, Syrian government forces have been implicated in widespread acts of sexual violence against civilians, including systematic rape during military operations. The ongoing conflict, compounded by weak legal systems, creates significant barriers for survivors seeking justice.
In the DRC, militias such as the CODECO and Mai-Mai groups have similarly employed sexual violence as a tool to terrorize populations, with militia leaders facing international sanctions for their roles in commanding mass rapes.
Both regions share the challenge of deeply entrenched stigma surrounding sexual violence, limiting victims’ ability to access healthcare and legal recourse. Despite international frameworks addressing sexual violence in conflicts, such as UN-backed initiatives and targeted sanctions, these atrocities persist, illustrating the limitations of global accountability efforts.
Access to Health Services in Conflict Zones
Healthcare access in conflict zones like South Sudan, Yemen, and Syria faces immense challenges, particularly for women. In South Sudan, hospitals are frequently destroyed, and security concerns force healthcare workers to flee, exacerbating barriers to reproductive and maternal healthcare. Community-based health initiatives, such as those led by the Red Cross, try to bridge the gap by training local health workers to deliver basic care, but resources remain strained. Moreover, displaced women often face additional cultural barriers, limiting their access to necessary services.
In Yemen, about 4.2 million people have been forced to leave their homes since the conflict began. Out of these, 73% are women and children. These women and girls face extra challenges, making it hard for them to get basic services, like proper healthcare for long-term illnesses.
Over 20.1 million people in Yemen, from a total population of 30.5 million, cannot get basic healthcare. Only 51% of the country’s health facilities are still working, and the violence makes it even harder for people to get the care they need to survive.
Refugee camps in Lebanon, Jordan, and Greece also highlight significant gaps in care. Women face difficulties accessing essential prenatal and postnatal services due to resource shortages and cultural stigmas, which further exacerbate health risks.
Mental Health: The Overlooked Crisis
Mental Health in Conflict
The psychological toll of conflict on women is often overlooked. Women survivors of violence suffer from severe mental health disorders, such as PTSD and depression. Still, access to mental health services in conflict zones is scarce. In places like Iraq and Afghanistan, decades of war have created generational mental health crises, affecting both women and children.
Lack of Mental Health Infrastructure
Conflict areas often lack the necessary infrastructure to address mental health, and cultural stigmas prevent many women from seeking help even if services are available. Organizations like Doctors Without Borders provide some support, but the demand far exceeds the supply of services.
The Role of International Frameworks Addressing Gendered Health Disparities
The Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), established in 1995, serves as a key international framework to promote gender equality, including in conflict zones. The BPfA emphasizes women’s health broadly, including the need to address the impacts of armed conflicts on women. The platform’s agenda emphasizes ending violence against women, improving access to reproductive health services, and ensuring that women are included in peacebuilding efforts. Despite these goals, challenges persist in fully implementing these recommendations.
Other international frameworks are addressing gendered health disparities, in addition to the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA). One key framework is the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030), which provides a roadmap to address preventable deaths and improve health outcomes for women and children globally. The strategy emphasizes gender equality, access to healthcare, and reducing violence against women. It also aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 on health and SDG 5 on gender equality.
Another notable framework is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes specific targets under SDG 5 to eliminate all forms of gender-based discrimination and violence. Additionally, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security play a significant role in addressing gender-related health issues, particularly in conflict zones.
Women as Health Providers and Leaders in Conflict
Despite the challenges, women are crucial in healthcare provision during conflicts. Female healthcare workers are often the first responders in war zones, and their leadership is vital to peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery efforts.
Empowering Women Health Workers: Programs run by organizations like the WHO and IRC aim to empower women as health workers, providing them with training and resources to deliver essential services in conflict zones.
International Responses and Solutions
International bodies such as the WHO, UNHCR, and UN Women have developed interventions to address the gendered health crisis. Programs focusing on providing reproductive health services, mental health support, and legal assistance for survivors of gender-based violence have shown some success but require more funding and political will.
Conclusion: Moving Forward
Addressing the gendered health crisis in conflict zones requires a multifaceted approach. Governments, NGOs, and international organizations must prioritize funding for gender-sensitive healthcare programs and enforce laws protecting women from violence. Continued advocacy and international cooperation are essential for progress.
During conflicts like Israel’s invasion of Gaza, international efforts often stop, making things worse for women and girls, especially when it comes to healthcare and reproductive health. To fix this, we should focus on strategies to end wars, increase funding for aid, support local groups, and push for policies that ensure everyone gets the healthcare they need.
FAQ
What are the effects of climate change on gendered health crises in conflicts?
Climate change exacerbates gendered health crises in conflict zones by disproportionately affecting women and girls. In conflict-affected areas, women face greater risks due to existing gender inequalities, such as limited access to healthcare, resources, and decision-making power. Climate-related disasters, like floods and droughts, worsen these vulnerabilities, increasing exposure to gender-based violence, malnutrition, and maternal health issues. Additionally, conflicts often destroy essential healthcare infrastructure, leaving women more vulnerable to disease outbreaks and reproductive health challenges.
How does the digital divide impact access to healthcare and GBV reporting?
The digital divide affects access to healthcare and gender-based violence (GBV) reporting by limiting the availability of essential digital tools like telemedicine, online health information, and reporting platforms. Individuals in low-income, rural, or underserved communities often lack access to reliable internet, smartphones, or digital literacy, preventing them from using these services effectively. This can delay medical care, hinder the management of chronic conditions, and limit the ability to report GBV privately and safely. Furthermore, privacy concerns and cultural barriers can further reduce engagement, especially in vulnerable populations.
What role do local gender norms play in exacerbating health risks during conflicts?
Local gender norms during conflicts can exacerbate health risks by reinforcing unequal roles and responsibilities for men and women. For example, in many cultures, women are expected to take on caregiving roles, which increases their exposure to diseases like Ebola. While the lack of protective equipment is not always consistent across all contexts, during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, women were disproportionately affected due to their caregiving responsibilities, which heightened their risk of infection.
Additionally, the stigma around sexual violence and gender-based violence (GBV) may prevent women from reporting incidents or seeking care, further heightening health risks during conflicts.
What are the specific mental health needs of female combatants or participants in conflicts?
Female combatants and participants in conflicts face unique mental health challenges, including high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Their mental health needs are often exacerbated by experiences of gender-based violence, stigma, and the psychological trauma of both combat and reintegration. They may struggle with societal reintegration, as well as the psychological burden of their roles in violence, which can differ from male combatants due to gendered expectations. Tailored mental health support that addresses trauma, violence, and societal reintegration is crucial for their recovery.
How do economic sanctions or embargoes influence gender-specific health crises?
Economic sanctions and embargoes can severely impact gender-specific health crises by worsening access to essential services, particularly for women and vulnerable populations. Women, especially those in conflict zones or impoverished areas, often face limited access to reproductive health services and life-saving medications. Sanctions can disrupt healthcare infrastructure, leading to shortages of medications, including those for HIV/AIDS, maternal care, and chronic diseases, further exacerbating gender-based health disparities. Additionally, women disproportionately bear the brunt of economic hardship during sanctions, heightening their vulnerability to malnutrition and poor health outcomes.
Citations
- Yemen: Women and girls struggle to access essential healthcare. (2022, July 7). International Committee of the Red Cross. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/yemen-women-and-girls-struggle-access-essential-healthcare
- Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Beijing +5 Political Declaration and Outcome. (2024, September 21). UN Women – Headquarters. https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2015/01/beijing-declaration
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. (n.d.). https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/
