Gaza's Girls Leading the Way to a Hopeful Future
On the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, we honour the strength and vision of girls in Gaza and around the world who show resilience and hope despite immense challenges. This year’s theme, “Girls' Vision for the Future,” calls for urgent action, driven by the voices and dreams of girls everywhere. For the girls in Gaza, who have endured over a year of devastating war, displacement, and deprivation, this day highlights their bravery and commitment to a better future.
The Reality for Girls in Gaza
For more than a year, girls in Gaza have faced tough conditions, repeated displacement, and trauma. They struggle to access basic needs like food, shelter, clean water, and hygiene products, making them more vulnerable to violence and health issues. With over 80% of schools and all universities damaged or destroyed, more than 300,000 girls are missing out on education, and over half a million need mental health support. Additionally, 230,000 girls of menstruating age have severe difficulties accessing menstrual hygiene products.
"I wish I could go back home and feel safe with my family. I miss drinking clean water, eating good food, wearing new clothes, and living in Gaza without war." - Aya, 15
Aya Zarab, 15, was dispolaced from Rafah and now lives in a camp in Khan Younis. She and her family endured a difficult journey fleeting from the North to the south, leaving behind their home and memories after it was destroyed in the war.
Despite these challenges, girls are not just surviving; they are taking action, supporting their communities, and helping those in need.
Empowering Girls and Rebuilding Hope
The "Rebuilding Hope for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip" project, funded by Education Above All (EAA) and carried out by UNFPA with youth-led organizations, has engaged 1,500 young people, including over 700 young women, to lead humanitarian efforts. These initiatives have helped over 150,000 people, including displaced women, adolescent girls, children, and the elderly, providing vital support in and around shelters.
One standout effort is the "Girls' Tent," started by eight young female volunteers working with the Social Development Forum and the Save Youth Future Society. This initiative focuses on meeting the urgent needs for personal hygiene awareness and supplies for displaced girls and women during the ongoing crisis.
The "Girls' Tent": A Safe Space for Girls
The "Girls' Tent" began as a small project in Southern Gaza, providing a safe space for girls to join recreational activities. It has now expanded to Northern Gaza, offering hygiene kits and educational classes to 300 displaced girls and women.
Yasmine Mohana, one of the young volunteers, said, "The Girls' Tent is important not just because it focuses on teenage girls, but because it promotes self-care in such tough times. We want to give girls health and hygiene packages after teaching them about mental and physical health. The large turnout and great questions showed how much this support is needed."
Volunteers Nuha Hamada and Areej Al-Barasi added, "This initiative is essential, and we hope it continues to reach other areas. It helps girls and women take care of their hygiene and mental health amid the ongoing displacement and challenges we face in Gaza."
With a worsening hygiene crisis and severe shortages of basic supplies like soap and shampoo, the initiative is crucial. It not only provides essential support but also empowers girls and women with knowledge to protect their health. In response, UNFPA and its partners plan to scale up the “Girls Tent” initiative to reach all adolescent girls in Gaza."
Invest in Girls' Voices and Actions
“Adolescent girls have a clear vision of the future they want. Let’s support them in realizing this future; let’s stand with them, and not in their way.” - Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director
On this International Day of the Girl Child, the story of the "Girls' Tent" showcases the hope and resilience of girls in Gaza. Even in times of conflict and hardship, they are stepping up to lead and advocate for their communities.
As we recognize their voices and actions, we must also recognize the urgent need for ongoing support for their futures. By protecting them from violence and helping them overcome the challenges they face, we can empower these young leaders to turn their vision into reality, ensuring a future where every girl can thrive.
