After the sounds of bombing ceased, the women of Gaza faced a new reality imposed on their lives by the war, one that not only included the loss of loved ones, but also placed enormous responsibilities on their shoulders. Thousands of widows who lost their husbands and children suddenly became the main breadwinners for their families, in a society already suffering from stifling economic and social constraints, where unemployment, poverty and destruction determine daily life.

Figures indicate that the Israeli aggression in the war of extermination left 56,000 children orphaned, while the number of widows rose to tens of thousands of women who are divided between caring for children, securing shelter, and trying to provide the minimum basic needs.

These numbers reflect the catastrophic scale of the loss, but they also highlight women’s ability to face challenges despite limited support from the government and humanitarian organisations.

Gaza women: anxiety and depression

Psychological and social loss is no less devastating than material loss. According to a report by the Gaza Centre for Social Research, high rates of depression and anxiety among women after the war reflect a complex crisis of trauma, social isolation, and societal pressure that limits women’s opportunities for work and economic initiative.

Women’s testimonies reflect this reality: Amira, a 32-year-old widow who lost her husband and three sons, says, “I live to survive. Every day I live is a victory over grief.” Her story represents thousands of women who embody silent resilience every day.

Education is an additional challenge, as children face difficulties accessing schools or pursuing distance learning due to a lack of family support or resources. Many women have been forced to divide their time between work and childcare, which has affected their mental and physical health.

Self empowerment

The long-term impact of war extends to all aspects of life in Gaza. Women breadwinners are a fundamental pillar of rebuilding society and key to any future efforts for social and economic recovery. This requires the integration of women into reconstruction plans, through educational and training programmes and economic and psychological empowerment, not only to secure the future of their families, but also to ensure the rebuilding of a cohesive and influential society after the destruction.

In post-war Gaza, resilience is not just a feeling, but a daily act that redraws the map of life despite the wounds. It affirms that women are the beating heart of confronting loss and transforming pain into strength and self-reliance, in a dual battle between grief and empowerment, between loss and hope.

Women’s resilience in Gaza is proof, to the world, of the ability to adapt despite loss. But it also highlights the need for urgent and sustained support for women breadwinners; whether through financial and training programmes or psychological and social support that alleviates the burdens of their daily lives.

Featured image via the Canary

By Alaa Shamali

This post was originally published on Canary.