Throughout 2025, the world faced record levels of conflict, climate crises, and humanitarian challenges, with millions at risk due to steep cuts in aid and rising digital violence against women and girls. Yet amid these crises, individuals and communities demonstrated resilience and courage, taking extraordinary actions to protect lives and promote well-being. From midwives delivering babies safely in Gaza to teenagers in the Philippines guiding peers away from adolescent pregnancy, ordinary people made a powerful impact despite extraordinary challenges.
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, works in over 150 countries and scaled up its support in 2025 for women- and youth-led grassroots organizations. These groups played a key role in advancing sexual and reproductive health, protecting rights, and fostering community resilience, exemplifying bold action in the face of adversity.
In Afghanistan, girls like Meena overcame barriers to education and economic opportunity. After restrictions on secondary schooling left her isolated, she joined a UNFPA-supported youth center offering skills training and counselling. With these resources, she launched an online shop and learned digital skills, which she now shares with her community, expanding the center’s impact.
In Somalia, UNFPA-supported safe spaces saved lives and helped combat female genital mutilation (FGM). Amina, subjected to FGM at age 13, received life-saving care and support to return to school. Programs targeting FGM have reached millions, with grassroots and women-led organizations driving policy change and community awareness, demonstrating that ending harmful practices is possible when girls are empowered and supported.
Even in conflict zones like Ukraine, communities and health workers displayed remarkable resilience. At a maternity hospital in Kherson, Lyudmila safely delivered her baby in a bunker amid air raids, reflecting the dedication of UNFPA-supported health professionals who continue to provide critical care despite dangerous conditions.
Health workers in Zambia also inspired hope. Charity, who suffered an obstetric fistula after an early pregnancy, successfully underwent repair surgery through UNFPA-supported programs. She returned to school and now advocates for awareness and prevention, embodying the transformative impact of medical care and community support.
Indigenous women in Panama, such as Eneida, accessed culturally sensitive maternal healthcare through networks established by the Ngäbe Women’s Association in partnership with UNFPA. Local interpreters and trained staff ensure women’s rights and preferences are respected, improving health outcomes and integrating indigenous needs into broader government services.
Digital natives also emerged as advocates for safer online spaces. Young women in the Central African Republic called for stricter legislation and better platform protections against online harassment, sextortion, and deepfakes. In response, UNFPA and partners launched programs across Africa, including a symposium and initiatives under Making All Spaces Safe, to tackle digital gender-based violence.
Despite a challenging year globally, UNFPA’s support for grassroots action, healthcare, education, and digital safety illustrates the power of local leadership and community-driven solutions. Stories from 2025 highlight how resilience, solidarity, and targeted interventions can create hope and lasting impact for women, girls, and communities worldwide.
