Geneva: The UN Women called for ensuring that the ceasefire in Gaza translates into safety, recovery, and rights for women and girls, placing them at the center of every humanitarian and reconstruction effort.

According to Emirates News Agency, UN Women Chief of Humanitarian Action Sofia Calltorp highlighted the crucial role of women in rebuilding communities during a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. She emphasized that investing in women, such as those rebuilding bakeries, clinics, or classrooms, generates significant returns for whole communities. Calltorp stated, “Every dollar invested in women-led aid, is a down payment on hope. The data is very clear on this: when we invest in women, every $1 generates an $8 return for whole communities.”

Calltorp underscored the urgent needs of women and girls in Gaza, with over one million requiring food aid and nearly a quarter million in need of urgent nutrition support. She stressed that the ceasefire presents an opportunity to address these needs promptly to prevent famine. She noted the devastating impact of the conflict over the past two years, where women and girls were killed at an alarming rate and were frequently displaced. The ceasefire offers a chance for these women to find safety and begin rebuilding their lives, although many still lack shelter as winter approaches.

She continued that one in seven families in Gaza is now led by a woman, emphasizing the importance of aid reaching these families directly. This direct aid is crucial for them to provide for their children, access healthcare, and rebuild their livelihoods. Calltorp insisted on the importance of including women’s organizations in the humanitarian response to ensure women are not excluded from Gaza’s future.

She concluded by noting UN Women’s collaboration with the UN system to scale up life-saving assistance, aiming to place women and girls at the forefront of recovery efforts in Gaza.