Wars on Women Escalate as Global Conflicts Hit Record Highs

 

By Oriontimes International Desk

New York | October 21, 2025

The world is witnessing its highest number of active wars since 1946 and women are paying the steepest

price.

According to the 2025 UN Secretary-General’s Report on Women, Peace and Security, 676 million women now live near active conflict zones, the highest in three decades. Civilian deaths among women and children have quadrupled, while conflict-related sexual violence jumped by 87% in just two years.

Released on the 25th anniversary of UN Resolution 1325, the report warns that progress on women’s participation and protection is collapsing.

“Women and girls are being killed in record numbers and shut out of peace tables,” said Sima Bahous, UN Women Executive Director. “They don’t need promises, they need power, protection, and participation.”

Despite evidence that women’s involvement strengthens peace, 90% of peace processes in 2024 excluded them, with women making up only 7% of negotiators globally.

Meanwhile, global military spending reached $2.7 trillion, but women’s organizations in conflict areas received just 0.4% of aid.

The UN is calling for urgent reforms, greater funding, accountability for war crimes, and a “gender data revolution” to make women’s suffering visible.

Across Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and northern Nigeria, women continue to face violence, displacement, and neglect as wars multiply.

 “The world is investing in war instead of peace,” Bahous warned. “That must change.”