Global conflicts increasingly put women at risk

A staggering 676 million women now live within 50 kilometers of deadly conflict, the highest number since the 1990s. The 2025 UN Secretary General’s report on Women, Peace and Security notes that civilian casualties have quadruped compared to the previous two-year period, and sexual violence has skyrocketed 87%. The report says the world is experiencing the highest number of active conflicts since 1946. Despite those troubling statistics, there is progress: 113 countries and territories have adopted national action plans on women, peace and security compared to just 19 in 2010, with many setting goals for increased representation or passing laws aimed at empowering women and girls.