IHLAS HAMRUNI

Tunisia- Women and girls living in war and conflict regions suffer from various psychological symptoms, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Women are the most affected group by wars and conflicts,” said Tunisian psychologist Maysa Hassiri, stressing the importance of solidarity among women and girls in war and conflict regions.

The ongoing wars and conflicts all around the world, especially in Palestine and Lebanon, affects all citizens, especially women and girls. “Women bear the brunt of war and conflicts because they also suffer from a patriarchal society saying women should stay at home,” said Maysa Hassiri, pointing to the impact of armed conflicts on women and girls. “Women and girls living in war and conflict regions are subjected to the most severe forms of violence, discrimination, and harsh humanitarian conditions, including homelessness, famine, and the spread of diseases. They do not have access to even essential hygiene supplies, especially menstrual pads.”

‘Girls are forced to drop out of school’

Pointing out that women living in conflict regions suffer from the lack of basic necessities of life such as food, potable water, shelters and hygiene, Maysa Hassiri said, “They are also subjected to various forms of violations such as arbitrary detention, inhumane treatment and exploitation. Girls are forced to drop out of school or into marriage. 60% of pregnant women die because they cannot access essential healthcare services.”

Speaking about the psychological impact of armed conflicts on women and girls, she said, “Women and girls living in war and conflict regions suffer from various psychological symptoms, including trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Maysa Hassiri also talked about the economic impact of conflicts and wars on women and girls. “Women are usually not economically independent and are always dependent on men and families. If they lose their breadwinners, they have to be breadwinners, take care of their children alone; however, they often face difficult working conditions and low wages.”

‘Women play an important role in raising awareness’

Although Tunisia is not a conflict zone, Tunisian women are psychologically affected by the ongoing wars and conflicts because “They see how women and children are affected by wars and conflicts through photos and videos published on social media platforms. This makes them fall into despair.”

Maysa Hassiri thinks that Tunisian women play an important role in raising awareness about the rights of women in conflict regions. “Tunisian women have carried out awareness-raising activities to be in solidarity with women in conflict regions. For instance, they participated in a silent march held in November 2023 in solidarity with the Palestinian people. In March 2024, International Women’s Day, women’s organizations held many demonstrations to shed light on the conditions of women and girls in conflict zones and collect donations for them.”