The Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Girls - UNFPA

Target Groups
Women
Women and children make up four fifths <strong>of</strong> the world’s refugees and
internally displaced people. Yet, only recently has attention been focused on the
particular needs and circumstances <strong>of</strong> women refugees.
Women play a key role in economic, social and family life. Women are
most affected by reproductive health problems. For refugee women, who <strong>of</strong>ten
become sole heads <strong>of</strong> households, this burden is compounded by the
precariousness <strong>of</strong> their situation. It is imperative that a lack <strong>of</strong> comprehensive
reproductive health services does not add to the suffering <strong>of</strong> refugee women.
Investing in women’s reproductive health has a positive effect on the entire
community, as women are <strong>of</strong>ten the sole carers for extended family units,
including children and elders.
People who are forced to flee are, for the most part, from countries with
poor health and social indicators. Women and children are particularly adversely
affected by forced migration; they face unique hardships during flight, including
sexual violence and abuse. Once they eventually reach relative safety, they <strong>of</strong>ten
face the lack <strong>of</strong> food, water and shelter; sickness and death; and the loss <strong>of</strong>
family and possessions.
With conflict comes loss <strong>of</strong> income, home, families and social support,
depriving women and girls <strong>of</strong> security and income. As a consequence, they may
be forced into transactional sex to secure their lives or those <strong>of</strong> their families,
escape to safety or gain access to shelter or services, including the distribution <strong>of</strong>
food and services.
Young people
Young people, whether female or male, are an especially underserved
group within refugee populations. At a critical time in their development – the
transition from childhood to adulthood – young refugees lose their role models;
friends; family; their cultural and social system; and access to services, including
training and education opportunities. It is important to ensure that reproductive
health services meet the specific needs <strong>of</strong> younger and older adolescents, girls
and boys.
Young people, particularly young women, are at special risk during forced
migration. Young people are at risk from abduction, forced recruitment into
armed forces, sexual violence and abuse and increased risk <strong>of</strong> STIs and
HIV/AIDS. Many are forced to head households and care for family members.
<strong>The</strong>ir involvement in project planning and implementation is key, and they are a
vital part <strong>of</strong> rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes.
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