Speaking out as a woman in politics, press invites danger - UN Women

UN Women remarks at the Security Council: No Peace Without Protecting Women and Girls

Executive Director Sima Bahous highlights that 61 per cent of all maternal deaths occur in just 35 conflict-affected countries.

 

"Today, I will focus on forms of gender-based violence that are too often overlooked: reproductive violence, explosive armed violence, mental trauma, and targeted attacks on women in public life—threats increasingly enabled by digital technologies." 

"61 per cent of all maternal deaths occur in just 35 conflict-affected countries. In the past year, we have seen bombed maternity wards, blockaded medical supplies, and massive funding cuts. 

"In Afghanistan, where 90 per cent of women lack access to essential healthcare services, a woman dies from preventable pregnancy-related complications every two hours. One third already deliver without medical assistance. With bans on female workers and shrinking access to care, maternal deaths are projected to rise by 50 per cent by 2026. 

"In Gaza, over 28,000 women and girls have been killed since October 2023: an average of one woman and one girl killed every hour. Tens of thousands have given birth under bombardment and siege, without anesthetics, without postpartum care or clean water, and while being malnourished, displaced, and traumatized. 

"These are not natural consequences of war. They constitute a pattern of reproductive violence. Today, I urge that we treat reproductive violence as a distinct category of harm and hold perpetrators accountable."  

"Violence leaves scars not only on the body, but on the mind. Trauma compounds over time, especially when layered with loss, with displacement, and with constant fear. Mental health is not a luxury—it is life-saving. 

"In Gaza, 75 per cent of women suffer from depression. Girls say they wish they were dead. 

"In Afghanistan, women speak of living in prisons. 

"In Ukraine, domestic violence is rising, and more than half of displaced women report depression." 

"Women who speak out—journalists, activists, politicians—face bullets, bombs, threats, and smear campaigns.

"Even when not physically attacked, they are driven out by digital violence: deepfakes, harassment, and disinformation. 

"In Ukraine, 81 per cent of women journalists report facing online abuse."

"I come to you with three asks: 

"First, the Council must do more to support justice and accountability for women and girls. These atrocities continue in part because they are committed with impunity.

"Second, support women’s organizations on the frontlines. Despite everything, women resist with courage, with leadership, and with care.

"Third, recognize women’s empowerment as a protection strategy. Protection and participation go hand in hand. The most effective shield we can offer women and girls is their own power, their own voice, and their own leadership."