Menu
“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” – Etty Hillesum
This poignant reflection by Etty Hillesum, a Dutch writer and diarist, underscores the relentless struggle for identity and autonomy that women face, especially in conflict zones. In these areas, the turbulence of war and violence exacerbates existing gender inequalities, making the fight for basic rights and safety even more arduous for women. They are often subjected to gender-based violence, denied essential healthcare, and marginalized economically and socially.
Jisr Al-Shughour, is one of the hard-to-reach areas, located in the Idlib Governorate of northwestern Syria, that has been a focal point of conflict and humanitarian crises over the past decade. The city has been significantly impacted by ongoing conflict, resulting in widespread displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and a severe deterioration in living conditions. Recently, the earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6, 2023, exacerbated these issues, creating additional challenges for the already vulnerable population. However, a few local NGOs and grassroots organizations are actively providing essential services such as food distribution, basic healthcare, and education. These groups often operate under challenging conditions, leveraging local knowledge and networks to reach the most vulnerable populations. In addition, humanitarian organizations face resource constraints, including funding and personnel shortages. Given the widespread needs across Syria, resources are often allocated to areas with higher visibility or where aid can be delivered more efficiently. Jisr Al-Shughour’s challenges in visibility and access mean it often receives less attention.
This policy brief provides a comprehensive analysis of the general humanitarian situation in Jisr Al-Shughour, with a particular focus on the needs of women. It also offers actionable recommendations to address these challenges and improve the well-being of women in the area.
“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” – Etty Hillesum
This poignant reflection by Etty Hillesum, a Dutch writer and diarist, underscores the relentless struggle for identity and autonomy that women face, especially in conflict zones. In these areas, the turbulence of war and violence exacerbates existing gender inequalities, making the fight for basic rights and safety even more arduous for women. They are often subjected to gender-based violence, denied essential healthcare, and marginalized economically and socially.
Jisr Al-Shughour, is one of the hard-to-reach areas, located in the Idlib Governorate of northwestern Syria, that has been a focal point of conflict and humanitarian crises over the past decade. The city has been significantly impacted by ongoing conflict, resulting in widespread displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and a severe deterioration in living conditions. Recently, the earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6, 2023, exacerbated these issues, creating additional challenges for the already vulnerable population. However, a few local NGOs and grassroots organizations are actively providing essential services such as food distribution, basic healthcare, and education. These groups often operate under challenging conditions, leveraging local knowledge and networks to reach the most vulnerable populations. In addition, humanitarian organizations face resource constraints, including funding and personnel shortages. Given the widespread needs across Syria, resources are often allocated to areas with higher visibility or where aid can be delivered more efficiently. Jisr Al-Shughour’s challenges in visibility and access mean it often receives less attention.
This policy brief provides a comprehensive analysis of the general humanitarian situation in Jisr Al-Shughour, with a particular focus on the needs of women. It also offers actionable recommendations to address these challenges and improve the well-being of women in the area.
