BEIRUT, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Over 614 million women and girls live in conflict-affected places worldwide, a number that has increased by 50 percent since 2017, said the United Nations system in Lebanon in a statement on Friday.
"From the Middle East to Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, women pay the biggest price for conflicts that are not of their making. The need for peace has never been more urgent," UN Women said in a separate statement on Friday to mark International Women's Day.
In Lebanon, since Oct. 8, 2023, the spillover effects of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel on Lebanon's southern border have led to civilian casualties and the internal displacement of over 91,288 residents by the end of last month, said the UN system in Lebanon.
The statement mentioned the heavy repercussions of the conflict on the lives of women and girls, including socioeconomic hardship, emotional distress, safety concerns, and frustrations with inadequate support systems.
Despite many challenges, women's rights organizations are getting involved, and local women are contributing by providing essential assistance and participating in local emergency coordination and planning, it said.
"In south Lebanon, women are engaged in crisis management, registering with relief organizations, and addressing the specific needs of the displaced," UN Women Representative in Lebanon Gielan Elmessiri was quoted by the statement as saying.
Women in Lebanon and worldwide demonstrate incredible strength and leadership, especially in crisis management and community support, said UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Imran Riza.
Meanwhile, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka said, "Investing in women and girls means offering them equal rights and opportunities to develop their full potential and the space to use this in the country's service," stressing that "Lebanon cannot build a better and stable future without the full contribution of its women in all fields and sectors."
