Priscilla Nyanyang, the former deputy minister of gender, child and social welfare, warned that conflict can increase early child marriage for girls.

Nyanyang said difficult situations – including war, but also drought or floods – can cause families to view girls as property to be traded in marriage for money or other goods that can help feed other family members.

She warned there are other risks that also come with fighting.

“Women face risks of different forms of violence, including when eroded livelihoods force them into survival sex,” she said. “Young girls walking long distances to fetch water face the risk of being sexually assaulted.

Earlier this month, Japan donated $3.5 million to UN Women to help address some of these issues. The money is for programs aimed at building the resilience of 6,000 women and girls affected by conflict.

Specifically, the money will be used to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment programs are integrated into ongoing humanitarian responses around the country.