UN Women, partners says funding cuts threaten women rights groups in Ukraine

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – According to a new survey by UN Women and partners released on Wednesday stated that women’s rights organizations in Ukraine are facing a crisis after major funding suspensions from the US.

The report said that half of the 99 surveyed organizations had either received or expected US funding when the suspension was announced in January 2025.

It noted that two thirds reported severe disruptions, putting emergency response, humanitarian aid and development programmes at risk.

Survey stressed that 5 organizations are set to close while 35 more may shut down within six months if no new funding is secured.

The international funding for gender equality initiatives in Ukraine has declined significantly since 2022.

The latest cuts have worsened the situation, forcing more than half of the surveyed organizations to reduce staff and struggle with unpaid rent, utilities and salaries.

It noted that gender-based violence prevention programmes, underfunded in humanitarian response, have been particularly affected.

UN Women Representative in Ukraine, Sabine Freizer Gunes, warned that nine out of 10 organizations have had to shut down one gender equality or diversity programme.

She said that the cuts have delayed critical projects, including support for survivors of sexual violence, restoring key infrastructure and rebuilding schools and hospitals.

The 69th Commission on the Status of Women marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, UN Women is calling for direct, flexible and long-term funding to ensure women’s organizations can continue delivering lifesaving support in Ukraine.