Millions of Somalis are on the brink of starvation as hunger across Somalia intensifies. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report warns that 4.4 million people could face acute food insecurity by the end of the year if no action is taken. The humanitarian crisis is driven by a convergence of extreme climate-induced weather events, rising food prices, conflict, and inadequate funding for humanitarian aid, which have pushed the country toward a humanitarian disaster that could erode progress on gender equality for women and girls. 

“Women, the heart of their communities, are struggling to feed their families. Girls risk being pulled out of school to help at home or forced into early marriage,” said Ummy Dubow, CARE Somalia Country Director. “The worsening hunger crisis in Somalia will have devastating consequences for women and girls, who are often the first to suffer in times of extreme hardship. Many of the gains we have made in empowering women, improving maternal health, and increasing girls' access to education are at risk of being undone. We are particularly concerned about an increase in Sexual and Gender-based violence, which we have witnessed in past crises. Women and girls must travel longer in search of food and water, which exposes them to dangers.”