Australia’s new support to women and girls in Gaza

15 November, 2023

The Government of Australia has pledged AUD 2 million (equivalent to approximately US $1.2 million) to UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, for its humanitarian response. This funding will help address immediate and emerging needs, prioritizing urgent health services for women.

The new contribution responds to the United Nations inter-agency flash appeal seeking to secure $1.2 billion, including an ask of $14.1 million for UNFPA, to address the most pressing needs of 2.7 million people in Gaza and the West Bank over the next three months.

After more than a month of hostilities, needs are soaring in Gaza and the humanitarian situation is deteriorating by the hour. Fuel, essential for bakeries, to pump and clean water, and to power hospital generators, is running out.

The health system has collapsed, leaving an estimated 50,000 pregnant women unable to access essential services. Around 180 women are giving birth every day in unimaginable conditions.

"The situation in Gaza is catastrophic,” said Dominic Allen, UNFPA representative for Palestine. “The contribution from Australia will help alleviate some of the most pressing needs for the women and girls of Gaza. I urge the international community and partners to follow Australia’s leadership in prioritizing women’s health needs in Gaza.”

“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire and worsens by the day,” Australia’s Humanitarian Coordinator, Beth Delaney, said. “Australia is working with our partners, including UNFPA, to help ease the widespread human suffering as much as we can. Our AUD 2 million funding to UNFPA is focused on urgent health services for women and girls in Gaza, including emergency obstetric supplies and dignity kits.”

With the new funding, UNFPA will continue to support women’s basic needs, particularly for pregnant women and those at risk of gender-based violence. Life-saving medicines and supplies will be transported to Gaza, as well as dignity kits containing hygiene and menstruation supplies – critical assistance that will go directly to the people who need it most.

The Government of Australia has been a dedicated partner to UNFPA, contributing more than US $48 million dollars in 2022, and ranking as the 7th largest donor to our humanitarian response.