Sana’a, 4 April 2018 – The Government of Japan contributes $781,326 to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, for its work in Yemen to protect women and girls from gender-based violence and to maintain their dignity.

The escalating conflict in Yemen has taken a heavy a toll on women and girls, who make up 76 percent of those displaced and more than half the 12.9 million people in need of protection.

“With number of women seeking gender-based violence services rising by 36 percent in 2017 alone, it is urgent that essential services for gender-based violence are expanded to meet these needs,” stated Anjali Sen, UNFPA’s Representative to Yemen. “We are extremely grateful to the Government of Japan for recognizing the life-saving nature of gender-based violence interventions and helping survivors of gender-based violence to be provided with comprehensive care and support during this crisis.”

The funds will also help provide dignity kits to the most vulnerable women and girls affected by the conflict. With the personal hygiene items and culturally appropriate clothing in these kits, women will be able to maintain their personal hygiene and it will their improve mobility and reduce vulnerability to gender-based violence when seeking humanitarian aid.

“We are pleased to support UNFPA’s efforts to improve the well-being of women and girls in Yemen,” stated the Embassy of Japan in Yemen. “This assistance shows Japan’s strong and faithful commitment for the protection and relief to women and girls who continue to be among the most vulnerable and at risk of violence.”

The Government of Japan has been a key partner to UNFPA’s humanitarian response, supporting the Fund’s interventions and services to women and girls across Yemen.

UNFPA’s support to the humanitarian situation in Yemen also responds to the needs of women and girls for reproductive health services.

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UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

For more information, please contact

Lankani Sikurajapathy: Tel. +962 796434401; sikurajapathy@unfpa.org

Fahmia Al-Fotih: Tel: +967 712224016; al-fotih@unfpa.org