The United Nations Women launched an analysis on the impact of Houthi escalation and displacement on women and girls in Yemen.

UN Women Launches Analysis on the Impact of Houthi Escalation and Displacement on Women and Girls in Yemen

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in Yemen, in collaboration with the Yemeni Women’s Union and Oxfam, has released an analysis detailing the effects of the Houthi militia’s escalation and displacement on women and girls in Yemen. This report highlights the increasing challenges they face in accessing essential services, humanitarian aid, and livelihoods, as well as the risks threatening their safety and protection.

Escalation and Displacement Intensify Existing Challenges

The analysis indicates that the escalation and displacement have exacerbated existing challenges for women and girls. These challenges include difficulties in accessing health services, livelihoods, humanitarian assistance, movement restrictions, and increased burdens of unpaid care and domestic work.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), between June 7 and September 21, 2026, 132,330 individuals, equivalent to 22,055 families, were displaced due to the Houthi militia’s escalation along the western coast. The largest concentrations of displaced individuals occurred in the Taiz and Lahij governorates. UN Women estimates that approximately 65,000 of the displaced individuals are women and girls, with around 5,500 families led by women.

Rising Health Needs Amidst Increased Displacement

The analysis also points out that these challenges have intensified amid rising health needs. UNICEF estimated on September 21 that over 120,000 individuals had been displaced, including about 30,000 women of reproductive age and more than 2,700 pregnant women. It is expected that 300 women will give birth in the following two weeks. The organization reported the closure of some reproductive health facilities and safe spaces for women and girls, or their operation at limited capacity, including facilities providing emergency obstetric services and newborn care in the Maqbana and Jabal Habashi districts of Taiz governorate.

Economic Pressures on Displaced Families

The analysis highlights the economic pressures faced by displaced families. The loss of livelihoods, dwindling resources, and rising living costs have led to increased reliance on borrowing, purchasing on credit, and cutting back on expenses and family humanitarian assistance.

UN Women stated, “Humanitarian responses must consider the specific needs and challenges faced by women and girls, ensuring that essential assistance reaches them quickly and equitably, including food, safe water, shelter, healthcare, medications, hygiene supplies, and dignity.”

Recommendations for Improved Access to Aid

The analysis calls for the removal of barriers preventing women and girls from accessing assistance. It emphasizes the need to bring services closer to affected communities, provide clear information about available support, and consider caregiving responsibilities, privacy needs, and accessibility for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Methodology of the Analysis

The analysis is based on 12 focus group discussions involving 170 participants from communities affected by displacement in the Taiz, Lahij, and Abyan governorates. Additionally, a rapid survey included eight women-led Yemeni organizations operating in seven governorates. Data collection occurred between September 22 and 26, 2026.

The report clarifies that the findings are indicative and not statistically representative of all displaced individuals or affected communities in Yemen. The aim is to identify emerging patterns and priorities necessary for humanitarian response.

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