GBV in Gaza takes various forms, including domestic violence, sexual violence, forced marriages, and honor-based violence. Cultural norms and traditional attitudes, along with the breakdown of social structures due to decades of conflict, have contributed to the normalization of violence against women.
Yet, despite the scale of the problem, many women face significant barriers to reporting abuse or seeking help due to fear of stigma, retribution, and the lack of adequate support services.
Impact of the Blockade and Conflict on GBV in Gaza
The Israeli-Egyptian blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007, has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services. This environment of deprivation and uncertainty significantly contributes to the increase in violence. The Gaza Strip has witnessed multiple military conflicts, which not only cause physical destruction but also psychological trauma. In the context of war, women and girls are often subjected to violence, both within their homes and in public spaces.
The mental health of many women in Gaza is severely affected by the stress, fear, and trauma of daily life under siege. This, in turn, contributes to the perpetuation of GBV. Economic hardships mean that many women are unable to escape abusive relationships because they lack financial independence, and the absence of shelters or proper legal protections makes it extremely difficult for women to seek justice or safety.
Testimonies from Gaza: A Harsh Reality for Women
Testimony 1: “I was trapped in silence”
Fatima, a 34-year-old mother of three from Gaza City, shares her painful story of surviving domestic violence at the hands of her husband:
“My husband has always been abusive. But over the years, it became worse. The stress of the siege, the economic hardship, and the trauma from the wars made him more violent. I felt trapped. He would beat me, sometimes in front of my children. I was afraid to go to the police or seek help from anyone because in our society, if you speak out, people shame you, and your family will be dishonored. My family told me to be patient and tolerate the violence because it’s better than breaking up the family.”
Fatima eventually found the courage to reach out to a local NGO that supports survivors of domestic violence. Still, the road to recovery is long and fraught with societal judgment.
Testimony 2: “There is no justice for women like me”
Mariam, a 22-year-old woman, experienced sexual violence at the hands of a neighbor during the last conflict in Gaza. Despite her distress, she faces many obstacles in seeking justice:
“During the last attack on Gaza, I was at home with my family when a neighbor came to our house. He forced himself on me. I was so afraid, I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t go to the police because I know what happens when you speak out about sexual violence. Women are blamed. People will say it’s your fault. There is no justice for women like me in Gaza. We have no rights, no protection, and no way to get help.”
Mariam’s case is tragically common. Sexual violence in Gaza is underreported, and victims face a hostile social environment that often questions their credibility and places the blame on them.
Testimony 3: “My daughter was married off at 14”
Amina, a 45-year-old mother, recounts the heartbreaking story of her daughter, who was forced into marriage at the age of 14 due to economic pressures:
“We didn’t have any money to support our family, and my daughter was married off to an older man who promised to provide for us. At the time, she was too young to understand what marriage meant. He was abusive to her, and there was nothing I could do. In Gaza, girls are often seen as burdens to be married off for financial reasons. There is little regard for their futures, their safety, or their well-being.”
Child marriage remains a persistent issue in Gaza, particularly in families struggling with poverty. Underage girls are married off to alleviate the financial burden, but they are often subjected to domestic violence and denied basic rights, including education.
Addressing GBV: Challenges and Solutions
Despite the dire situation, efforts are being made by local organizations, international bodies, and activists to address GBV in Gaza. However, significant challenges remain:
- Cultural and Social Stigma: Women who experience violence are often blamed or stigmatized. The honor-based system and the patriarchal social structure prevent many women from seeking help. These norms perpetuate the cycle of violence, keeping women silent and isolated.
- Lack of Legal Protections: The legal framework in Gaza is insufficient to protect women from violence. While there are laws against domestic violence, they are poorly enforced, and there is a lack of specialized support services, such as shelters and legal aid.
- Limited Access to Services: There are few safe spaces for women to escape violence, and many survivors do not have access to psychological counseling or rehabilitation services. The mental health toll of living in a conflict zone makes it even harder for women to rebuild their lives after experiencing violence.
- Economic Dependency: The lack of financial independence for many women traps them in abusive situations. Economic empowerment programs, vocational training, and access to jobs are essential for giving women the ability to leave harmful environments.
Moving Forward: A Call for Action
The international community, including humanitarian organizations, human rights groups, and governments, must continue to put pressure on all parties involved in the Gaza conflict to prioritize the protection of women and girls. Support for women’s rights organizations, the creation of safe spaces, and the provision of legal aid are critical steps toward addressing GBV.
Additionally, it is essential to break the silence surrounding GBV. The voices of survivors, like Fatima, Mariam, and Amina, must be heard. Their stories can help create awareness and galvanize change. Only through collective action, legal reforms, and cultural shifts can Gaza begin to address the crisis of GBV and ensure a safer, more just future for its women and girls.
The path toward ending gender-based violence in Gaza is challenging, but with sustained effort, it is possible to give hope to countless women who deserve to live free from violence, fear, and discrimination.
BY KAYITESI Ange
