Strait of Hormuz blockade: Millions of women at risk of acute food insecurity

More than 11 million women worldwide could face acute food insecurity by the end of this year due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a United Nations analysis. The report identifies the disruption of fertilizer supplies from the Persian Gulf as a primary cause, which threatens the agricultural sector where women make up 40% of the global workforce.

The United Nations also attributes this risk to gender inequality. In the 28 countries examined, women often serve as caregivers and may skip meals to ensure children and older family members can eat. Women represent 53% of those who could suffer from acute malnutrition as a result of the crisis.

Africa may experience some of the most severe consequences, particularly in regions already struggling with famine and conflict like Sudan and South Sudan. In South Sudan, the number of women facing acute food insecurity could reach 852,000. Other high-risk countries identified in the analysis include Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Yemen.