BEIRUT: Amid the ongoing armed conflict in Lebanon, women and girls are facing severe threats to their health, safety, and dignity, as highlighted by UN Women. The conflict has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, with women and girls suffering disproportionately due to societal norms and the conflict’s direct impacts. Immediate needs include shelter, winter supplies, nutritious food, and essential water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the UN Secretary-General’s Report on Women, Peace, and Security has noted a troubling increase in the proportion of women killed in conflicts globally, with women now accounting for 40 percent of all casualties in war zones. In Lebanon, the war has burdened women and girls with increased risks of sexual and gender-based violence, heightened domestic responsibilities, and the emotional strain of caring for children traumatized by the conflict.

UN Women Lebanon Representative Gielan Elmessiri emphasized the critical need f
or protection and support for women and girls, calling for safeguarding essential services and recognizing their leadership in humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts. Women constitute a significant portion of internally displaced persons in Lebanon, with the International Organization for Migration reporting that 52 percent of the 833,391 displaced individuals are women and girls. Many are heads of households, facing challenges such as food insecurity and low labor force participation.

Targeted humanitarian support is essential for vulnerable groups, including widows, women with disabilities, and migrant domestic workers. UN Women, in collaboration with over 25 local women’s organizations, is providing emergency cash, winter supplies, and psychosocial support. They maintain communication channels for feedback and complaints to ensure accountability and are working with a network of women peacebuilders to promote conflict-sensitive humanitarian relief and peacebuilding.

Local women-led organizations, despite
facing destruction and reduced funding, remain at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, delivering vital aid to displaced individuals. UN Women stresses the importance of financial support to sustain these efforts and enhance women’s representation in decision-making forums.

The humanitarian community is urged to uphold the rights of affected women and girls, with assistance targeted based on rapid gender analysis and disaggregated data collection to address their evolving needs and priorities equitably.