Effect of conflicts on women, girls discussed at UN sideline event

By Islam Dogru

UNITED NATIONS (AA) - The situation of women and girls in conflict zones was discussed during a sideline event organized by Türkiye at a UN meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Revealing the Untold: The Devastating Impact of Conflict on Women and Girls was held at UN headquarters in New York under the coordination of Türkiye's Ministry of Family and Social Services and hosted by its head Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas.

"Raising the voice of women during wars and conflicts is a duty," said Palestinian Minister of Women's Affairs Amal Hamad, who drew attention to the women and children who have been killed in Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip.

"Several lenses have documented some scenes of the painful reality experienced by women in Gaza, from the loss of their dear ones, to the destruction of their dreams, to deprive them of health and education, the war of starvation, and the continuous displacement from place to place," she said at the panel discussion which was moderated by Anadolu's UN correspondent Serife Cetin.

Hamad criticized the UN for failing to stop the genocide in Gaza and said trust in the organization has been lost.

Qatari Minister of Social Development and Family, Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, emphasized the situation of especially physically disabled women and children in conflict zones, highlighting the need for joint efforts.

Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Iryna Postalovska also noted that alongside the destruction and deaths in conflict zones, the violence experienced particularly causes trauma to women and children.

Women are subjected to violence in countries experiencing conflict, said Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya.

"Women are silenced, their participation is hindered, and they are subjected to violence and submission," she said.