Myanmar’s Earthquake and the Gendered Crisis

In contexts like Myanmar, where years of military rule and ethnic violence have already uprooted millions and strained relief efforts, the impact of such a disaster is magnified. Communities that were already on the brink now face cascading hardships: worsening displacement, collapsing public services and mounting insecurity. For women and girls, these conditions multiply existing risks, from gender-based violence to the erosion of support networks and critical health services. 88% of women that engaged with Women for Women International’s From Asking to Action consultation in Myanmar already described their communities as frequently or very insecure - a figure likely to rise even further as the full extent of the earthquake’s devastation continues to unfold. 

In the aftermath of the earthquake, women and girls are facing heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV). The destruction of infrastructure, including homes and community centers, has led to overcrowded and unsafe living conditions, increasing exposure to violence and exploitation. Additionally, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that at least 173,855 pregnant women are at risk of complications and negative health outcomes due to damaged health facilities and disrupted services. The lack of access to comprehensive healthcare not only jeopardises maternal health but also leads to preventable suffering for women in urgent need of even the most basic medical support. 

The military junta’s blocking of aid delivery has further complicated relief efforts, particularly in regions opposed to it's rule. The United Nations has reported deliberate military attacks in earthquake-affected areas, hindering the distribution of essential assistance. These actions not only violate international humanitarian principles but also disproportionately impact women and girls who rely heavily on these services for their safety and well-being.

Even before the earthquake, women that Women for Women International consulted with in Myanmar identified challenges with accessing humanitarian services. 73% of the women that engaged in the From Asking to Action consultation last August identified limited access to food and water as a common challenge women face in their communities during conflict. In light of this, it is essential that life-saving humanitarian aid is actively facilitated in order to reach those most at risk and address increasingly urgent needs on the ground. 

The earthquake is a crisis magnified by long-standing structural violence, political repression and conflict. For women and girls in Myanmar, the aftermath is especially devastating, as they face heightened risks of displacement, gender-based violence and exclusion from life-saving aid. It is in these moments of compounding crisis that the call for a gender-sensitive humanitarian response becomes imperative. 

At Women for Women International, we are raising our voice to advocate for a response that centres the needs and leadership of women. Women in Myanmar told us that relief and recovery efforts can be improved to better support women in conflict-affected communities through increased funding and resources (71%), targeted support for women and girls (54%), enhanced coordination among organisations delivering aid (43%) and involving women in planning and decision-making (33%).   

We are advocating for: 

• Unimpeded humanitarian access, supporting local women-led initiatives already responding on the ground

• Aid efforts designed with gender equity at their core

The crisis in Myanmar is part of a broader global pattern linking climate shocks, forced displacement and the marginalisation of women. By addressing these intersections, we can both alleviate suffering in the present and lay the groundwork for more resilient, inclusive and peaceful futures.