How humanitarian crises affect girls

Every girl should be able to grow up safe, healthy and in charge of her own future. But for many girls affected by crises, that future is often the first thing to be put at risk.

This International Day of the Girl, we're looking at what life is really like for girls in emergencies, and why their needs must be at heart of any response.

What is a humanitarian crisis?

A humanitarian crisis is an emergency caused by conflict, climate change, natural disasters or other events that threaten people's health, safety and wellbeing. Humanitarian crises can force families from their homes, disrupt healthcare and education, and increase risks for women and girls.

How are girls affected by humanitarian crises?

When a humanitarian crisis happens, girls can lose access to their education, healthcare, and sources of protection from the world around them.

Health clinics close, food becomes scarce, water sources turn unsafe, and families lose their homes and livelihoods.

Girls suffer disproportionately during crises and all too often, they're left out of the decision-making that affects them most - even though girls' leadership is often critical in the humanitarian response.

Why are girls more vulnerable during humanitarian crises?

Pre-existing gender inequalities make girls even more vulnerable during a crisis.

When families are displaced, girls may be expected to leave education to take on more household and caring responsibilities.

When health clinics close, pregnant girls can be forced into dangerous deliveries putting them at risk of complications.

When war or conflict break out, girls face a heightened threat of gender-based violence - including sexual and domestic abuse.

When incomes are lost, desperation can lead to child marriage to reduce financial pressure or protection from poverty.

What barriers do girls face during humanitarian emergencies?

During an emergency, girls can face a combination of practical, social and safety-related barriers - many of which often overlap.

Education in emergencies: When a humanitarian crisis happens, it may become impossible for children, especially girls who already have limited access to education, to attend school.

Safety and protection: Girls can be exposed to more sexual violence and exploitation, often without the protections they once had.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR): When health services are destroyed or disrupted, SRHR are often overlooked, making it harder for girls to access essential services.

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH): Without private toilets, clean water or period products, managing menstruation safely and with dignity becomes extremely difficult, putting girls at risk of period poverty.

Voice and decision-making: Girls are rarely invited to shape the humanitarian response that affects them, and loss of education and safety can silence their voices within the community.

Spotlight on period poverty: What is it and how does it affect girls?

Period poverty means not being able to afford or access the menstrual products and sanitation facilities needed to manage periods with dignity. Over 500 million women and girls worldwide lack access to facilities for menstrual hygiene, and it affects people even in wealthier countries, including the UK.

For girls in crises, the consequences of period poverty are serious. When infrastructure collapses, water and sanitation systems are disrupted, and privacy disappears, menstrual health becomes one of their most urgent needs.

Families struggling during humanitarian emergencies may have little money left for menstrual products, pushing girls to resort to unsafe or unhygienic materials, which can create health risks.

Period poverty can also become a major barrier to education. Without the products and privacy needed for periods, fear of leaking or teasing can also make girls reluctant to attend school. Over time, missed education can affect girls' learning and future opportunities.

How does CARE support girls in emergencies?

CARE puts women and girls at the centre of humanitarian response, recognising their needs are often different from those of men and boys. Alongside local partners, our emergency work includes providing life-saving assistance such as food, shelter, water and sanitation, alongside sexual and reproductive health support.

Essential supplies: We distribute hygiene kits containing items such as menstrual products, underwear, soap and laundry detergent to people affected by humanitarian crises.

Water and sanitation: We support access to safe water, toilets and sanitation facilities, helping girls manage their periods safely and continue participating in education and community life.

Girls' education: We work with communities, schools, governments and partners to address barriers that prevent girls from staying in education.

Period poverty: We challenge menstrual stigma, provide menstrual products and improve sanitation.

Protection and health: We prevent and respond to gender-based violence and supports survivors with healthcare, counselling and other services - as well as providing maternal health care.

Safe spaces: We provide physical and emotional safety, psychosocial support, and opportunities for girls to rebuild social networks.

Girls' empowerment and leadership: Our Women Lead in Emergencies programme supports women and girls to participate in local decision-making, identify community priorities and influence humanitarian responses.

Advocacy: We call on decision-makers to improve funding, policies and budgets, and put women and girls at the heart of the decisions that shape their lives.

How can I help girls in crisis situations?

When girls are able to continue their education, access healthcare, manage their periods safely and participate in decisions affecting their lives, entire communities benefit. Ensuring girls' rights during humanitarian crises is not only about responding to immediate needs, but about protecting futures and creating lasting change.

With your help, we can continue to provide support to girls and their families who are experiencing crisis. Please donate today - together we can make a difference for millions of girls worldwide.