Ukraine’s Women at Breaking Point: Four Years of War Intensify Attacks on Essential Services
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has reached a critical juncture for its female population, with escalating attacks on energy infrastructure and healthcare systems pushing women and girls to the brink. As the war enters its fourth year, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, leaving millions vulnerable and exacerbating existing inequalities. The deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure is not merely causing technical disruptions, but is directly undermining the safety, protection, and economic security of women across the country, according to recent assessments.
The scale of the crisis is staggering. Since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, more than 5,000 women and girls have been confirmed killed and 14,000 injured, with the actual numbers likely significantly higher. Recent reports indicate that 2025 was the deadliest year of the conflict for women, a grim milestone highlighting the escalating violence and its disproportionate impact on female civilians.
The destruction of Ukraine’s energy grid – with approximately 65% of its generation capacity reportedly destroyed by deliberate attacks – is having a particularly devastating effect on women. Extended power outages not only disrupt essential services like heating and healthcare, but also severely restrict women’s mobility, increasing their exposure to harassment and accidents, especially during the dark winter months. Many Ukrainian women are employed in sectors hardest hit by these disruptions, including education, health, social services, and retail, leading to widespread job losses and economic hardship.
The Ripple Effect of Energy Infrastructure Attacks
The consequences of these attacks extend far beyond immediate physical danger. As Irina, a resident of Kyiv, shared in a recent account, “No electricity means no school for my children and no electricity means no job for me. It means no salary.” This stark reality underscores the interconnectedness of essential services and the disproportionate burden placed on women to manage the fallout from the conflict. The disruption to education not only hinders children’s development but also forces women to shoulder additional childcare responsibilities, further limiting their economic opportunities.
The vulnerability is compounded for those with pre-existing conditions or disabilities. Jaime Wah, Deputy Head of Delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Ukraine, emphasized that when power outages occur, “it is often the most vulnerable who carry the consequences.” According to the IFRC, older adults, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk, facing life-threatening situations during prolonged outages.
Funding Cuts Threaten Vital Support Networks
Compounding the crisis is a looming threat to the women-led organizations that are at the forefront of the humanitarian response. A recent survey revealed that one in three of these organizations may be forced to cease operations within six months due to funding cuts. Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women’s representative in Ukraine, warned that projected funding reductions of at least $53.9 million by the complete of 2026 could leave an estimated 63,000 women without access to critical services, including support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. This weakening of the humanitarian architecture of Ukraine risks undermining the progress made in protecting and empowering women during the conflict.
The impact of these cuts will be far-reaching, potentially leading to increased rates of gender-based violence, reduced access to mental health and psychosocial support, and diminished opportunities for women’s political and economic participation. The loss of these organizations would not only jeopardize the well-being of countless women but also hinder Ukraine’s long-term recovery, and stability.
Attacks on Healthcare Exacerbate the Crisis
The situation is further aggravated by the severe and widespread attacks on healthcare facilities across Ukraine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified more than 2,870 attacks on healthcare since the start of the conflict, resulting in 233 deaths and 937 injuries among healthcare workers and patients. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier noted that facilities are operating beyond capacity, with depleted workforces and damaged infrastructure. These attacks not only directly endanger the lives of those seeking medical care but also disrupt essential health services, leaving vulnerable populations without access to critical treatment.
The conflict has also led to a significant increase in the number of people with disabilities in Ukraine, with a reported rise of nearly 390,000, or more than 10%, since February 2022. However, the increase in numbers is only part of the story; access to adequate support, freedom of movement, and essential supplies for people with disabilities remains severely limited.
Key Takeaways
- The conflict in Ukraine is disproportionately impacting women and girls, with over 5,000 confirmed deaths and 14,000 injuries since February 2022.
- Attacks on energy infrastructure are exacerbating vulnerabilities, restricting mobility, and increasing the risk of gender-based violence.
- Funding cuts threaten the vital work of women-led organizations providing essential humanitarian assistance.
- Attacks on healthcare facilities are disrupting access to critical medical services and increasing the number of people with disabilities.
The situation in Ukraine demands urgent and sustained international attention. Addressing the specific needs of women and girls, protecting healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring continued funding for humanitarian organizations are crucial steps towards mitigating the devastating consequences of this conflict. The resilience of Ukrainian women is undeniable, but they cannot carry this burden alone. The international community must step up its support to ensure their safety, protection, and empowerment in the face of ongoing adversity.
Looking ahead, the UN Security Council is scheduled to discuss the humanitarian situation in Ukraine on March 15, 2026. Updates on the situation and opportunities for support can be found on the UN Ukraine website. We encourage readers to share this article and engage in constructive dialogue about the challenges facing women in Ukraine.