Funding from the Government of Japan safeguards women’s and girls’ health and needs in crises

11 Apr 2023

Joana and her daughter were displaced from the conflict in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. They now visit a UNFPA-supported women-friendly space, funded by the Government of Japan and the Central Emergency Response Funds. © UNFPA Mozambique/Mbuto Machili

In response to alarming humanitarian needs worldwide, the Government of Japan is allocating over 20 million dollars to UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, in funding for its humanitarian action for women and girls in need over the world.

In humanitarian crises, women’s and girls’ needs are sadly often overlooked. Exposed to gender-based violence, harsh conditions, trauma, malnutrition, women and girls in emergencies lack access to quality health services.

alt="" — Sifa, 19, comes from Quissanga, in Northern Mozambique. She attends a UNFPA-supported women friendly space, funded by the Government of Japan. “I joined this group (in the women-friendly space) to learn more about being a woman and how to defend myself when I am in danger," she says. © UNFPA Mozambique/Mbuto Machili

The funds are directed to over 18 projects, in five regions, amounting to over US$20 million. The new contribution will be channeled from the government’s supplementary budget and through UNFPA’s various offices present in the 18 countries* where the Japan-funded projects are being implemented, from Ukraine to Sudan, Afghanistan to Ethiopia.

“By contributing over 20 million to UNFPA’s humanitarian work in 18 different countries, Japan has yet again demonstrated its commitment in safeguarding women’s health and protecting their rights in the most difficult circumstances,” said Mr. Ib Petersen, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director for Management.

In 2023, UNFPA is appealing to $1.2 billion to provide life-saving services and protection to 66 million women, girls and young people in 65 countries, in response to growing humanitarian needs and critical gaps to help the most vulnerable. Japan’s new contribution will help fill the gaps and assist thousands of people. In 2022, UNFPA provided life-saving assistance to more than 30 million people, including services and supplies for emergency obstetric care to prevent maternal and newborn deaths, family planning and emergency contraception, and prevention of and response to gender-based violence.

Japan’s contribution to UNFPA increased in the last years, witnessing a growing relationship between UNFPA and the Government of Japan, and UNFPA’s leading humanitarian role in providing urgent care to women and girls who need it the most. Japan’s vital support is instrumental in safeguarding women’s and girls’ health, safety and dignity in the riskiest conditions. In 2022, Japan was the 7th largest humanitarian government contributor, and among the top 10 contributors to UNFPA core flexible resources.

The 18 countries receiving funds from the Japanese government as part of the 2023 Supplementary Budget are: Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Somalia, Namibia, Madagascar, Iraq, Iran, Türkiye, Palestine, Libya, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.