Japan and UN Women support crisis-affected and displaced women and girls in Palestine and Lebanon

[Press release]

Cairo - In March 2025, the Government of Japan granted USD 2 million to UN Women to implement a one-year programme supporting crisis-affected and displaced women and girls in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and Lebanon.  The initiative, “Sumod: Protection, Livelihood and Participation of women and girls affected by crisis in OPT and south Lebanon,” aims to reach over 1.6 million people, directly benefiting thousands of women, girls, in their war affected communities over a 12-month period.

The programme seeks to address the gender-specific impacts of the war on Gaza, the escalation of violence in the West Bank, and the aftermath of conflict in Lebanon. Through the funding, UN Women enhances access for crisis-affected and displaced women and girls to lifesaving emergency livelihood opportunities and multisectoral protection services. The programme also strengthens the capacities and leadership of local women-led organizations and women leaders engaged in humanitarian response, early recovery, and peacebuilding efforts.

The ongoing war in Gaza with subsequent crises in the West Bank and the spillover and escalation conflict in Lebanon have left 4.3 million people in need, including 2.2 million displaced, and 4.25 million at risk of food insecurity. Women and children bear the heaviest burden, facing heightened risks to their safety, health, and livelihoods. The ongoing crisis is creating and exacerbating gender-specific risks and vulnerabilities and the humanitarian needs are at all-time high among women, girls, men and boys.

“As humanitarian crises deepen across the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon, women and girls are facing some of the gravest threats to their safety, dignity, and survival. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan for its continued partnership and solidarity with humanity. This timely contribution expands our reach to the most at risk with urgent protection, livelihoods support, and services that uphold their rights and agency. Together, we are investing not only in immediate relief, but in more inclusive and resilient communities where women are empowered”, said Dr. Moez Doraid, UN Women Regional Director a.i. for the Arab States.

Informed by a multifaceted approach, the programme prioritizes women and girls most at risk, including survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), women and girls with disabilities, widows, adolescent girls, female heads of households, and elderly women. Interventions combine direct cash assistance to multisectoral services, including GBV case management, structured psychosocial support, legal aid, and referral services.

“Japan is committed to upholding the human dignity and human security of women, who are facing disproportionate effects of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon. As a staunch partner of UN Women, we look forward to the steady implementation of the programme and its impactful results”, commented Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations in New York.

The project is implemented in collaboration with al Majmoua in Lebanon and the Women's Affairs Center Gaza (WAC), Aisha Association for Woman and Child Protection (AISHA) and Not to Forget Society (NTF) in the OPT, in coordination with humanitarian sectors and clusters. At the regional level, UN Women collaborates with members of the regional Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) Working Group and the League of Arab States to ensure coordinated efforts that prioritize the needs and rights of women and girls.

The Government of Japan has been a longstanding partner of UN Women since its establishment, supporting efforts to advance women’s empowerment across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding contexts. In Lebanon and Palestine, joint initiatives have already improved the lives of thousands of women and girls and is continuing to generate sustainable change at the community level.