Nov 06, 2024
Women in Wars: Challenges and Social Change

Women in Wars: Challenges and Social Change


In the past decades, the Arab region has witnessed many wars and conflicts. Their adverse effects continue to deepen in society and are reflected in all its components. Women are the most affected group, as they suffer from violence, discrimination, and poverty. In light of the wars currently raging in the Arab region and the killing and destruction that has continued unabated over the course of a year on the residents of Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Yemen, and Syria, the Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND) dedicates the November newsletter to a feminist reading of the ongoing conflicts and wars. This newsletter aims to provide a feminist-political reading of the situation in the region, shedding light on the repercussions of conflicts on women and girls. A UNFPA report shows that more than 30% of women in conflict zones face forms of sexual violence, highlighting the extent of the suffering that women experience in these harsh conditions (UNFPA, 2022). According to an Amnesty International report, women and girls are used as a tool of war in armed conflicts, leading to an increase in cases of rape and assault (Amnesty International, 2023).



A UNFPA report shows that more than 30% of women in conflict zones face forms of sexual violence, highlighting the extent of the suffering that women experience in these harsh conditions (UNFPA, 2022). According to an Amnesty International report, women and girls are used as a tool of war in armed conflicts, leading to an increase in cases of rape and assault (Amnesty International, 2023).



In Syria, for example, several NGOs have documented cases of systematic sexual assault against women in areas under military control. Rape practices in the Sudanese war also stand out as one of the phenomena that threaten the tribal cultural system, as women’s honor is violated in the context of crises, which requires thinking about how cultural systems will be affected after the end of wars.



In addition, many women are displaced as a result of conflicts. Reports indicate that about 13.5 million Syrian women have been internally displaced or migrated to other countries due to the war (UNHCR, 2023). In Gaza and Lebanon, women face similar challenges, forced to live under the pressure of ongoing humanitarian crises.



Conflicts have a significant impact on the economy, increasing women’s suffering. Many women have lost their jobs or sources of income, forcing them to live below the poverty line. According to a World Bank report, conflicts in the Arab region have led to an increase in unemployment rates among women to 25% compared to men (World Bank, 2022). In Yemen, statistics show that more than 80% of women do not have a stable source of income due to the war, making them more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse (Oxfam, 2023).



Conflicts lead to the deterioration of health services, leaving women vulnerable. Reproductive health care is one of the most affected areas. According to the World Health Organization, 50% of women in conflict areas do not receive the necessary health care during pregnancy and childbirth (WHO, 2023). In Yemen, 2.2 million women suffer from pregnancy complications due to the lack of access to health care (UNFPA, 2023).



Education is also under significant threat. UNICEF reports that 7.5 million girls in the Arab region have been deprived of education due to armed conflict (UNICEF, 2022). In Iraq, after the war, the percentage of girls in education has dropped to only 30%, increasing illiteracy rates and hindering their future opportunities.



The Impact of Artificial Intelligence


Contemporary wars, including the current Gaza and Lebanon wars, are witnessing an increasing use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, which significantly affects the situation of women in conflict zones. AI systems are used to identify military targets and carry out attacks, increasing the accuracy of attacks and exposing women and children to greater risk. With technologies such as drones, data based on algorithms is used to identify targets, which can lead to serious human rights violations. Women, as part of the affected community, are deprived of the necessary protection and are the most vulnerable to violence and exploitation.



The Role of Women in Conflict


Despite the challenges, women play essential roles in war-affected communities. Stories of women leading peace and reconstruction initiatives are increasing. In Syria, women organize awareness-raising and support programs for displaced persons, reflecting their strong will and resilience in the face of challenges. These initiatives demonstrate how women can be a force for change, as the United Nations Development Program emphasizes that involving women in peace processes can increase the effectiveness of proposed solutions (UNDP, 2022).



At the same time, feminist movements are growing as an influential force in addressing society's challenges. In the current war in Lebanon, many women are leading active initiatives to shelter and assist displaced persons. In Iraq, women activists have united to form coalitions supporting their political and social participation rights. Following the protests in 2019, women’s groups were formed to enhance the role of women in politics and decision-making, as initiatives were launched to qualify women leaders and strengthen their presence in political negotiations.


The Women’s Peace and Security Agenda (UNSCR 1325) seeks to enhance women's role in peace processes and post-conflict recovery. This agenda stipulates the importance of including women in all stages of peace processes, from planning to implementation. However, women still face significant challenges in achieving these goals, such as a lack of political support and necessary resources.


In this situation, women in war zones need real support and policies that protect them from violence and promote their rights. These policies require cooperation between governments, NGOs, and the international community. Strategies should include women at the heart of these efforts and their participation in decision-making processes.


The situation of women in the Arab region in the shadow of wars requires serious steps to improve their lives. To ensure the restoration of stability, it is essential to provide support to displaced women and local communities. We can build more just and stable societies by enhancing women’s participation in the decision-making process and supporting their initiatives.


However, ANND would like to dedicate this newsletter to the situation of women in wars, not only to shed light on the reality and challenges but also to think about alternatives and alternative discourses and to pose the following pivotal questions to researchers and feminists in the Arab region:

1. What are the challenges facing women in the context of wars, and how has the feminist movement evolved to deal with them?
2. How have conflicts led to redefining women’s roles?
3. What is the impact of wars on feminist solidarity at the Arab level?


References


UNFPA. (2022). State of World Population 2022: Seeing the Unseen. United Nations Population Fund.
Amnesty International. (2023). War on Women: Sexual Violence in Armed Conflicts. Amnesty International.
UNHCR. (2023). Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2022. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
World Bank. (2022). Women, Business and the Law 2022. The World Bank.
Oxfam. (2023). The Hidden Impact: Women in Conflict Zones. Oxfam International.
WHO. (2023). Reproductive Health in Conflict Settings. World Health Organization.
UNFPA. (2023). Humanitarian Response in Yemen: A Focus on Women's Health. United Nations Population Fund.
UNICEF. (2022). Education Under Fire: The Impact of Conflict on Girls' Education in the Arab Region. United Nations Children’s Fund.
UNDP. (2022). Gender and Peacebuilding: Women’s Participation in Peace Processes. United Nations Development Programme.
UNSCR 1325. (2000). United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

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