KSrelief Highlights Women's Role In Humanitarian Action At UNFPA 2026 Launch Event

Dr. Jawaher Almuhanna, Director of Community Support at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), took part in the virtual launch of the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) 2026 Humanitarian Action Overview. She highlighted Saudi Arabia's acknowledgment of women's crucial role in mitigating the impacts of crises, conflicts, and disasters, as well as their contributions to peacebuilding efforts.

KSrelief was established in May 2015 to provide international assistance without discrimination. Almuhanna emphasized its dedication to supporting women and girls affected by emergencies. The center collaborates with UN agencies, international organizations, and civil-society groups to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

KSrelief has implemented 1,169 projects for women, valued at US$3.8 billion, benefiting over 200 million women across 79 countries. Almuhanna noted that during conflicts, women face challenges such as displacement and lack of safe shelter, often becoming heads of households and experiencing food insecurity and malnutrition.

These conditions severely impact their lives by limiting access to healthcare, especially reproductive health services. They also increase gender-based violence and restrict education and employment opportunities. In response, KSrelief provides comprehensive humanitarian interventions for women.

The center offers protection, shelter, psychosocial support, awareness-raising on women’s rights, combating violence, and fostering social cohesion between displaced women and host communities. Additionally, KSrelief provides mobile clinics and reproductive health services while training midwives in remote areas to reduce maternal mortality rates.

In addressing gender-based violence, KSrelief implements protection programs that include legal and psychosocial support. Safe spaces for women and girls are provided alongside training for workers to ensure optimal support for survivors. Awareness initiatives aim to address violence against women effectively.

Economic Empowerment Initiatives

On the economic front, KSrelief delivers vocational training aimed at empowering women economically. It provides tools for various professions and supports rural women through agricultural production activities. Educationally, KSrelief aids girls by rehabilitating school facilities and supplying necessary school materials to ensure continued education.

Almuhanna reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment through KSrelief to uphold human rights and dignity globally, particularly focusing on women in crisis-affected regions. She expressed optimism for unified international efforts towards developing more comprehensive solutions that secure a better future for all impacted nations.

With inputs from SPA