Amal Syam, Director General of the Women’s Affairs Center (WAC) in Gaza, stated that Palestinian women continue to face severe hardships. She explained that the ongoing siege, political division, deteriorating economic conditions, and the COVID-19 pandemic have all worsened the lives of women and girls across the Gaza Strip.
According to Amal Syam, the blockade imposed on Gaza since 2006, repeated military offensives, and internal political divisions have created increasingly difficult living conditions. As a result, poverty, unemployment, and exposure to violence have continued to rise.
Rising Gender-Based Violence
Amal Syam noted that difficult living conditions have increased the risks facing women and girls. In addition, patriarchal social norms and weak legal protections have contributed to higher levels of gender-based violence.
She highlighted that surveys continue to report high levels of violence against women. Moreover, women in Gaza remain among the most vulnerable because of economic dependency, limited public services, and the lack of effective protection mechanisms.
COVID-19 Increased Existing Challenges
Amal Syam explained that the COVID-19 pandemic deepened existing vulnerabilities. During lockdowns, women assumed greater caregiving responsibilities while domestic violence also increased.
Furthermore, she pointed out that the closure of courts and the suspension of many support services limited women’s access to justice. Consequently, many women were left without legal or psychological assistance.
Economic Impact on Women
The pandemic also had a serious economic impact on women across Gaza. According to Amal Syam, women entrepreneurs, workers, and female heads of households were among the hardest hit.
As a result, many women-led small businesses were forced to close. This situation further increased economic insecurity and reduced opportunities for women to earn a stable income.
Amal Syam Calls for Protection and Justice
In response to these challenges, Amal Syam stressed the urgent need to strengthen protection systems for women in Gaza. She also called for better access to justice and stronger support for civil society organizations working to address gender-based violence.
Finally, Amal Syam concluded that Palestinian women continue to live within “a cycle of violence, deprivation, and occupation.” She called for sustainable solutions that guarantee safety, dignity, and equality for all women.
