In the heart of Gaza: the silent strength of women in times of conflict

Testimony of an Action Against Hunger aid worker in Gaza

I am a humanitarian worker with Action Against Hunger in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, but I cannot reveal my real name for security reasons. This March 8, International Women’s Day, I want to raise my voice to share the story of resilience and strength of women in this wounded people.

I know this land very well. I have lived in Gaza for almost two years and, since the conflict broke out, I have been able to enter the Strip five times. The last time I arrived in Gaza in January, after the start of the ceasefire. I crossed through the Kerem Shalom crossing with a suitcase ready to survive for three weeks. When you travel to Gaza, you have to think that you have to carry in a suitcase everything you need to live: toiletries, clothes, food…. Life in Gaza resembles those apocalyptic movies where everything is destroyed and there are only ruins.

This time I have noticed a substantial change from the previous months of conflict: the tension has decreased and there is a cautious hopefulness in the air. But what my eyes see is devastating: entire families have lost their homes and loved ones. Rebuilding is a Herculean task that will take years.

Yet, in spite of everything, life continues to make its way. I have seen with my own eyes how people return to their destroyed homes, searching through the rubble for something that can be reused. They devote time, effort and what little resources they have to fix what they can, clinging to the hope of building a home again. This act of resistance, this determination to rebuild is what gives me the strength to keep going.

I have returned to greet a mother who participated in one of our projects. I am touched to see how, despite the lack of ingredients and gas for cooking, this mother has managed to keep alive the tradition of the family bakery. Her son dreamed of it, but it was she who had the vision, the strength to carry it forward. Hers is just one example of the resilience and fundamental impact of women in their communities.

I work with Action Against Hunger, a humanitarian organization that provides essential aid to the people of Gaza. We distribute water, food, hygiene kits and tents, but our work goes beyond mere assistance. We look for long-term solutions, such as the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure like water wells and sanitation systems.

In northern Gaza, we are working to restore essential services to enable the population to return to a more normal life. For example, we are repairing pipes and rehabilitating wells to ensure access to drinking water.

However, the needs are still enormous. Families live in tents that barely protect them from the rain and cold. The lack of hygiene, the absence of toilets and showers, and the contamination of water are serious problems that threaten the health of the population. The situation is aggravated by the rains and the cold, which flood the fields and spread diseases.

Despite the difficulties, my colleagues at Action Against Hunger work tirelessly to help the people of Gaza. Many of them have also been displaced and lost their homes, but they

remain committed to their work. Their courage and dedication are a source of inspiration to me.

As a woman aid worker, I am proud to be part of this team. I believe that women play a fundamental role in humanitarian work. We bring a different perspective, a special sensitivity to understand people’s needs and a great capacity for empathy.

In Gaza, I have met incredible women who have lost everything, but continue to fight for their families and communities. They are strong, resilient and hopeful women. Their example touches me and drives me to continue working for a better future for Gaza.

Today, on International Women’s Day, I would like to pay tribute to all of them. Their solidarity gives us strength to move forward. Together we can make a difference.