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A new year means more time to live, to try, to hope. But for us women—unfortunately and due to weak protection measures—a new year still means more death, more violence, more detraction from our rights, status, and security. It is a new year that carries additional costs that we pay for wars and crises, that we pay sometimes just for being women.
Gazan women enter a new bloody year
In Gaza, war and displacement continue, and women bear burdens that are only getting heavier amid the lack of security and the difficulty of obtaining basic needs for themselves and their families—all while enduring displacement, expulsion, and the daily bombardment of civilians.
In Lebanon, where women also bore the brunt of war and displacement and faced the destruction of border villages and the damage of residential buildings, the year ended with a tragic crime that claimed the life of journalist Abeer Rahhal. Abeer was killed in cold blood by her husband in front of the court where they were supposed to sign their divorce papers. Her husband did not stop at that; he posted a video in which he tried to justify his crime, then he took his own life.
In Syria, after years of oppression, displacement, and war crimes, there are growing concerns about the new administration, which tends toward hardline rule. These concerns are related to how the administration will deal with the issues of Syrian women, especially after the country’s experience under an unjust regime which spared neither men nor women. But women received a large share of this suffering, be it inside or outside detention centers and relative to general human rights issues.
Yemeni women are living some of their worst days under the control of the Houthis and their extremist and unfair decisions regarding their right to education, work, and self-determination. The situation is similar in Iran, Afghanistan, and other countries that do not respect women but rather continue to undermine their legitimate rights, their rulers deriving more legitimacy and authority from this disdain.
This is a brief overview of some of what women experience in conflict zones, a reality that bears no real indicator of change at the beginning of 2025, especially with the continued marginalization and postponement of everything related to women’s issues. When it comes to women’s rights, it never seems to be the right time.
When it comes to women’s rights, it never seems to be the right time.
Escalating violence and marginalization: Women at the heart of conflict
As the new year begins, we can expect more harassment and violence against women in different parts of the world, especially in the Middle East.
According to a recently published report, the percentage of women killed in armed conflicts doubled last year compared to 2022, accounting for 40% of all war deaths. Conflict-related sexual violence verified by the United Nations also increased by 50%.
The UN recorded at least 33,443 civilian deaths in armed conflicts in 2023, a 72% increase from 2022. The proportion of women and children among the casualties doubled and tripled, respectively.
The majority—70%—of recorded deaths occurred in Palestine, which experienced the deadliest conflict for civilians in 2023.
The report also notes that women in war zones increasingly struggle to access healthcare: for instance, 500 women and girls die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth every day in conflict-affected countries. By the end of 2023, 180 women were giving birth every day in Gaza, most without essentials or medical care.
Ironically, the report comes nearly 25 years after the UN Security Council adopted a landmark resolution on women, peace, and security. Resolution 1325 (2000) recognized the importance of women’s contribution to conflict prevention and resolution, and it called on warring parties to ensure the safety of women and girls and the full participation of women in peace processes.
Unrecognized efforts and little funding
Despite commitments made over the years, women accounted for less than 10% of negotiators in more than 50 peace processes around the world in 2023—despite studies showing that women’s participation helps peace agreements last longer and be better implemented.
For example, in Yemen, women-led negotiations have secured civilians access to safe water. In Sudan, 49 women-led organizations are pushing for a more inclusive peace process. But these efforts often lack support or recognition in formal peace negotiations.
The report pointed out that among the main challenges is the severe lack of funding. While global military spending reached a record high of USD 2.44 trillion in 2023, funding for organizations and movements that support women’s rights only amounts to 0.3% of total annual aid.
Moreover, investments in preventing and responding to gender-based violence account for less than 1% of total humanitarian spending.
In light of the tragedies laid out above, one can only hope for some peace, for 2025 to be less violent for everyone on earth, especially women.
