Cairo/Geneva/New York, September 8, 2026
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has left tens of thousands of women carrying the burden of sustaining families amid conflict, displacement, and economic hardship, according to a new report released by UN Women.
The report estimates that nearly 86,290 households in Gaza are now headed by women, representing almost one in every four households. The figure is nearly double the rate recorded before the October 2023 conflict, reflecting the devastating impact of war on family structures.
According to UN Women, many of these women have become heads of households after losing husbands, fathers, or other family members to the conflict. Others are caring for families while loved ones remain missing, detained, injured, or displaced.
UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States, Moez Doraid, said the burden facing women extends far beyond personal loss, as they are now responsible for supporting, protecting, and providing for their families under extremely difficult conditions.
The report highlights that women leading households are often forced to make critical decisions regarding food, shelter, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance while facing barriers to income, property ownership, documentation, and access to essential services.
It further notes that continued military operations, restrictions on humanitarian access, and shortages of food, water, hygiene supplies, and medical services have intensified the challenges facing women and girls across Gaza.
Women-headed households were found to be disproportionately affected by the conflict. According to the report, 68 percent lack adequate shelter, compared to 55 percent of male-headed households. Additionally, 74 percent of women-led households reported damage or destruction to their homes, compared to 67 percent of male-led households.
The financial burden remains severe, with nearly two-thirds of women-headed households requiring urgent cash assistance to survive. Many also reported heightened concerns over safety and protection.
UN Women also disclosed that despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025, civilian casualties continue. Available data indicate that 246 women and girls have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire, including 137 women and 109 girls, averaging approximately six female deaths per week during the reporting period.
The organization called for the full implementation of the ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and greater support for women and girls affected by the conflict.
UN Women stated that addressing the realities faced by women-led households is essential to ensuring that women are recognized, supported, and empowered amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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