Funding cuts leave women's aid organizations 'stretched to brink'

Since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office in January for a second term, his administration has cut billions of dollars in foreign aid in a review that aimed to ensure programs align with his "America First" foreign policy.

The United States was the world's biggest aid donor, and its action has been aggravated as other international donors have also reduced funding.

The UN Women report found the funding cuts had affected 90 percent of the 411 women-led and women's rights organizations it surveyed - with half projected to close within six months unless new cash becomes available.

"Many women's organizations are now being stretched to the brink. They are being asked to do more, with less," Sofia Calltorp, director of UN Women's Geneva office, told reporters.

She said the suspension of U.S. foreign aid, which is subject to review, has affected more than $40 million of the body's funding for projects, with a devastating impact on women and girls in crisis areas.

In Afghanistan, for instance, women and girls must walk for hours to access basic health services because some health facilities have been closed, Calltorp said.

Also in Ukraine, more than 70 percent of women's organizations reported major disruptions and many have suspended shelters, legal aid and trauma support for survivors of the conflict, she said.

As the United Nations marks 80 years since its creation, its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last month announced an initiative to improve efficiency and cut costs.