Protest at UN Women Headquarters Demands Action for Female Hostages in Gaza

In a powerful demonstration organized by the New York Hostages and Missing Families Forum, protesters will gather to demand accountability from UN Women and its Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, said the statement released by the Forum on Sunday.

The demonstrators will highlight their continued silence regarding both the 13 women still held hostage in Gaza and the sexual violence perpetrated against hundreds of women during the October 7, 2023 attacks remains unforgivable.

Following last week’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the protest will feature a striking “Women in White” display, symbolizing the female hostages who continue to endure reported sexual, physical, and psychological abuse.

Led by Lian Weiss, relative of hostage Arbel Yehoud, and the New York Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the demonstration will highlight UN Women’s inaction despite the United Nations’ own report documenting sexual violence during the October 7 attacks.