ASMAA FATHI

Cairo- Women and children are the most vulnerable in times of armed conflict and wars in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria and other countries. They face displacement, rights violations and attacks.

Egyptian journalist Hajar Kamal drew attention to the effects of wars, especially on women, and emphasized that wars and conflicts “affect everyone, undermine human rights but women are the most affected as they are subjected to financial, psychological and many other burdens.”

In times of armed conflict and wars, women face many challenges, she added. “They have to cope with many challenges such as finding shelter, medicine, water, clothing, daily supplies and food.”

‘Women in Syria experience never-ending pain’

The fall of the Syrian regime has changed the equation, Hajar Kamal said, “Women in Syria experience never-ending pain; they suffer from the loss of their loved ones in prisons and many conflict burdens and rights violations. The stabilizing of Syria will take time. Women have paid a heavy price due to Syria's instability. The Syrian crisis affects not only Syria but also neighboring countries.”

‘Women’s organizations must take responsibility’

Hajar Kamal pointed to the important role of women in change, calling on women all around the world to unite in order to make a change. “They are capable of doing so because they play an important role in the private and public spheres,” she said, calling on “NGOs, especially women’s organizations to take responsibility for the recent developments and the effects of wars and conflicts on women.”

‘Women have an important role in ending current wars and conflicts’

Hajar Kamal thinks that protests can bring the wars and conflicts suffered by many countries to the agenda. “An Arabic proverb says, ‘I was devoured the day the white bull was eaten’. The situation in Syria, Gaza, Lebanon and other countries has become extremely critical, affecting the whole world. Radical solutions are needed to end wars and conflicts suffered by many countries. I think raising awareness is extremely important and women have an important role in ending current wars and conflicts. Women’s movements and organizations and women should unite to end wars and conflicts.”