Six months into the war, Gaza is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, with women and girls disproportionately affected. A report by UN Women titled “Scarcity and Fear” sheds light on the dire consequences of limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
Impact on Women and Girls:
- Over 10,000 women have lost their lives in the past six months, with an estimated 6,000 of them being mothers. This has left behind 19,000 orphaned children.
- Surviving women face displacement, widowhood, and starvation due to limited access to necessities.
- 1.1 million women and girls lack basic necessities like safe drinking water, functioning toilets, and sanitary pads, posing serious health risks.
Vulnerabilities of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are at heightened risk due to increased water intake requirements and the threat of contaminated water.
- More than 330,000 children under five are vulnerable to waterborne diseases.
Menstrual Hygiene Management:
- Over 540,000 women and girls of reproductive age require access to basic hygiene products, including sanitary pads.
- Access to sanitary pads is severely restricted, leading to the use of unsafe alternatives and increasing the risk of infections.
Psychosocial Impact:
- Women and girls face mental strain due to long journeys to find water sources, security risks, and lack of privacy.
- Overcrowded shelters exacerbate the challenges, as menstruating girls experience self-consciousness and sickness.
Call for Action:
- UN Women calls for an immediate ceasefire and urgent action to address humanitarian and WASH conditions in Gaza.
- Priorities include ensuring safe access to water, repairing sanitation infrastructure, and distributing hygiene kits.
- Gender analysis and disaggregated data collection are essential for tailored response efforts.
Empowerment and Participation:
- Women’s participation in decision-making processes and tailored programs are crucial to addressing their specific needs and ensuring their safety and dignity.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- How many women have lost their lives in Gaza in the last six months?
- A) Over 5,000
- B) Over 7,000
- C) Over 10,000
- D) Over 15,000
Answer: C) Over 10,000
- What is the estimated number of orphaned children due to the loss of mothers in Gaza?
- A) 9,000
- B) 12,000
- C) 19,000
- D) 25,000
Answer: C) 19,000
- How many women and girls lack basic necessities like safe drinking water, functioning toilets, and sanitary pads in Gaza?
- A) 500,000
- B) 750,000
- C) 1 million
- D) 1.5 million
Answer: C) 1 million
- What is one of the main challenges faced by menstruating girls in overcrowded shelters in Gaza?
- A) Lack of access to education
- B) Inadequate healthcare facilities
- C) Self-consciousness and sickness
- D) Food scarcity
Answer: C) Self-consciousness and sickness
- What is emphasized as crucial for addressing the specific needs of women and girls in Gaza?
- A) Providing military aid
- B) Conducting gender analysis and collecting disaggregated data
- C) Building more shelters
- D) Distributing weapons for self-defense
Answer: B) Conducting gender analysis and collecting disaggregated data