Context: The ongoing conflict in Gaza has displaced over 90% of the population, with women and girls facing dire challenges in crowded refugee camps.
Issues Faced by Women in Refugee Camps
- Lack of Privacy:
- Tents shared with extended families and strangers deprive women of personal space.
- Women remain covered even while sleeping to maintain modesty amidst men.
- Hygiene Challenges:
- Scarcity of menstrual products forces women to use cloth scraps.
- Makeshift toilets pose sanitation risks, impacting women’s health.
- Health Concerns:
- Prolonged use of unsanitary materials leads to infections and skin diseases.
- Stress and trauma from displacement disrupt menstrual cycles, affecting reproductive health.
- Financial Strain:
- Women must choose between buying hygiene products or basic necessities like food.
Relevance in UPSC Exam:
- GS Paper 1 – Society: Impact of displacement on vulnerable groups, particularly women.
- GS Paper 2 – Governance: Role of international aid and policy frameworks in addressing refugee crises.
- GS Paper 3 – Health: Public health challenges in conflict zones.
- Essay: Refugee crisis and gender-based vulnerabilities.
