2023-11-12 05:52:51
The severe water shortage in Gaza has led to a worsening of living conditions for women, especially when it comes to the issue of menstrual hygiene products. Human Rights Watch reports that families in the Gaza Strip are rationing water due to Israel cutting off the water and electricity supplies. The United Nations reports that only a small portion of the water provided by Israel reaches southern Gaza, resulting in residents only having access to about three liters of water daily. The World Health Organization recommends between 50 to 100 liters per day.
This shortage of water has led to the acute shortage of menstrual hygiene products, leading to serious health complications for women and girls. The International Planned Parenthood Federation reported that women and girls are suffering from urinary tract infections, menstrual disorders, and sexually transmitted diseases, with limited medical treatment available. Conditions such as these can cause the spread of diseases and infections, including thrush, hepatitis B, and toxic shock syndrome.
The psychological impact on girls is also significant, as a lack of privacy and understanding of menstrual health can exacerbate their difficulties. The inability to obtain water and menstrual hygiene products can lead to serious infections, which poses a risk to girls’ reproductive and urinary systems.
In late October, UN Women expressed its deep concern for the lives of women and girls with the continued escalation in the Gaza Strip and Israel, considering what was happening a “deep crisis” that the region had not witnessed for decades. Sarah Hendricks, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations, stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing the special and pressing needs and vulnerabilities of women during times of conflict.
The situation in Gaza has been further exacerbated by Israeli airstrikes and a ground operation. More than 11,078 people in Gaza have been killed, with over 4,506 of them being children. The ongoing violence in the region has created a dire humanitarian crisis, disproportionately impacting women and girls. Basic needs including water, sanitation, food, and fuel are extremely important for the survival and well-being of women and girls in Gaza. UN Women continues to call for the immediate release of all hostages and a cessation of hostilities for the protection of the lives of women and girls in Gaza.]
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