As the world marks International Women’s Day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) warns that millions of displaced and migrant women and girls remain without access to safe and adequate shelter, exposing them to heightened risks of violence, exploitation and exclusion from essential services. IOM calls on governments and partners to scale up investment in gender-responsive shelter solutions that protect rights, safety and dignity.

“For women and girls affected by crisis, safety, dignity and access to services cannot be taken for granted,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Inadequate living conditions increase exposure to violence and limit the ability to access support and rebuild. These risks must be addressed through sustained investment, stronger protection systems and solutions designed with communities themselves.”

The consequences of inadequate shelter are both immediate and long-term. In crises, women and girls often face heightened risks of violence, exploitation and abuse. They account for nearly half of the world’s displaced population, yet millions still lack access to safe and dignified shelter – one of the most urgent needs in emergencies. Without it, recovery becomes significantly more difficult.

Across displacement settings, many women and girls continue to live in overcrowded, unsafe or makeshift conditions that expose them to harm and undermine their health, education and wellbeing. At the same time, the absence of identity documentation leaves many unable to access services, reclaim property or secure housing solutions, further deepening vulnerability.