Women working on the frontlines in Gaza—including doctors, journalists and teachers—are operating under extreme insecurity amid a prolonged conflict that has severely disrupted daily life. According to UN Women, the crisis has resulted in massive loss of life, displacement and deprivation for women and girls, with tens of thousands killed, many injured, and nearly one million displaced, alongside widespread food insecurity affecting hundreds of thousands.
Healthcare workers describe a collapsing medical system where even basic safety is absent. A medical student working at Al-Shifa Hospital explains that hospitals function under bombardment, with shortages of food, electricity and medical supplies. Despite still being in training, she has been forced to assist in surgeries and rely on practicing doctors for learning, as formal education and access to information have been severely disrupted.
Journalists in Gaza face similar life-threatening conditions while documenting the conflict. One reporter describes working in constant fear of targeted attacks, even in designated press shelters. She emphasizes the importance of recording civilian suffering and destruction, including loss of families and entire communities, despite having personally experienced profound loss and displacement.
Teachers are working to preserve education for children who have been out of school for extended periods. One educator, now running a learning space for displaced children, describes starting from basic literacy levels due to prolonged disruption of schooling. She highlights the emotional and educational toll on children who have lost homes and family members, while stressing the importance of maintaining access to learning even in temporary settings.
Humanitarian agencies, including UN Women, are calling for a sustained ceasefire, full respect for international law, and unimpeded humanitarian access. They also emphasize that women and girls must be central to recovery efforts, while women-led organisations continue to provide support, funding and services to those affected on the ground.
