Women in developing countries hardest hit by rising debt burden, UN research finds

The report, based on data from 85 countries gathered across three decades, shows women in developing countries are disproportionately affected. Photograph: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty Images

Women are hit hardest when the debt burden in developing countries rises, a trend expected to worsen as the war in the Middle East continues, UN research shows.

A report by experts from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), based on data from 85 countries gathered across three decades, shows women are disproportionately affected when debt repayments increase significantly.