RAMALLAH: As the Israeli aggression continues to ravage Gaza for over ten months, the plight of Palestinian women has become a stark representation of both suffering and resilience.
Despite facing compounded hardships, many women in Gaza have stepped forward with initiatives aimed at alleviating the impact of the ongoing genocide on their communities.
A beacon of hope in Gaza
In a school-turned-shelter located in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, a small yet powerful initiative is underway. Afnan Bakroun, alongside her two daughters, has been offering educational support to displaced students.
Holding a master’s degree from the Islamic University of Gaza, Afnan told WAFA that she has transformed a portion of a classroom into a learning space where she teaches English and mathematics. Her daughters also contribute by providing Hebrew language courses and computer classes.
Moreover, Afnan’s daughter recently established a mental health clinic within the shelter, offering free counseling sessions to
families who have lost loved ones and addressing the psychological challenges exacerbated by the Israeli onslaught.
The aggression has led to the forced displacement of approximately 85% of the population of the Gaza Strip, or about 1.93 million people, from their homes.
According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), more than 625,000 children in Gaza have been out of school for over 10 months, half of whom were previously enrolled in its schools before the aggression.
Additionally, the aggression has prevented 39,000 students from taking their secondary school exams for the 2023-2024 academic year, and has resulted in the complete or partial destruction of dozens of schools, institutes, and universities.
Healthcare amidst ruins
In another corner of Gaza, Dr. Lubna Al-Azayzeh, a pediatrician and lactation specialist, has taken significant steps to address the health crisis caused by the bombardment.
Her clinic in Deir al-Balah was destroyed, prompting her to set
up a makeshift medical facility within the shelter area. Dr. Al-Azayzeh provides essential services such as newborn care, wound dressing, and educational workshops on breastfeeding.
Volunteers, including several nurses, join her in this effort to ensure that as many displaced individuals as possible receive medical attention. Her initiative, “You Are Our Family,” aims to offer comprehensive medical check-ups for children and elderly residents, and to address chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
The Gaza health system has suffered immensely, losing 70% of its bed capacity, with only 14 of 36 hospitals operational. Israel’s targeting of medical infrastructure has severely impeded access to essential health services, with 885 healthcare workers martyred and over 310 detained.
The UN reports a critical shortage of medical supplies, and evacuation procedures for medical cases are currently stalled.
Voices of resilience
In a different but equally impactful endeavor, Rafeef Aziz, a former journali
st who worked with a local media outlet, has shifted her focus to humanitarian efforts.
Despite losing her home and equipment in the attacks, Aziz has leveraged her social media presence to amplify the voices of those in need. Her page, initially a platform for media work, has become a crucial space for disseminating pleas for help.
Aziz has mobilized support from Arab youth through social media, channeling donations into food packages, water, bread, and shelter for displaced families.
Her efforts also include organizing activities for children in Deir al-Balah’s camps, aiming to bring some semblance of normalcy to their lives.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, by September 2024, 96% of Gaza’s population will face severe food insecurity. With nearly half a million people at risk of starvation, the situation is dire. Canned goods, while vital, cannot replace the need for fresh, nutritious food, which is in short supply due to the blockade.
Challenges facing women
A recent UN Women report highlights that over 557,000 women in Gaza are experiencing acute food insecurity. The burden of caregiving, including providing food and basic care for children, often falls disproportionately on women.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women face elevated health risks due to insufficient nutritional and medical care, with 76% suffering from anemia and 99% struggling with access to essential nutritional supplements.
In this landscape of adversity, the women of Gaza embody resilience and compassion. Through their various initiatives, they provide education, healthcare, and essential support, embodying hope and solidarity in the face of relentless challenges.
Their contributions underscore the profound strength and commitment of Gaza’s women, who, even amidst the harshest circumstances, strive to improve the lives of those around them.
Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA