In the Gaza Strip, on International Women’s Day, women are speaking out about the challenges they face in the midst of ongoing war and displacement. Four women who have been forced to flee their homes due to Israeli bombings shared their stories with Al Jazeera.
Nada Abdelsalam, a mother of eight, described the daily struggle of caring for her children in a tent without basic necessities like water and electricity. She expressed feeling like she has lost her sense of self and struggles to maintain her dignity in difficult circumstances.
Sawsan al-Zein, who lost an eye and family members in a bombing, highlighted how the war has left her unable to perform basic chores and has affected her mental health. She emphasized the need for strength from women to manage family affairs during such challenging times.
Etemad Assaf, pregnant with her third child, lamented the harsh conditions of living in a tent and expressed fear for giving birth in a healthcare system that is on the brink of collapse. She described the challenges of providing for her family and the drastic changes in her appearance and routine due to the war.
Marah al-Qayed, who has taken on the role of providing for her family, shared how the war has forced her to abandon her sense of femininity and dreams of pursuing photography. Despite the challenges, she urged other girls to hold onto their dreams and not give up on their true selves.
These women’s stories shed light on the resilience and strength of women in Gaza as they navigate life in the midst of conflict and displacement. Their voices serve as a reminder of the untold hardships faced by women in war-torn regions and the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com