Voices from Gaza Doctors who go from tent to tent to leave no one behind: This is how we help women who are left without care

In the heart of Gaza, amid the ruins left by two years of relentless bombardments and loss, women bear an immense burden. With nearly 690,000 women of childbearing age struggling to access basic hygiene supplies and medical equipment, they shoulder the majority of unpaid caregiving responsibilities. Over 60,000 households are led by women, while female unemployment stands at 92 percent. Pregnant women and new mothers face dire consequences, unable to receive essential care as the healthcare system has collapsed under the weight of destruction. Taghreed, a doctor working with Juzoor and Oxfam, has been providing assistance to pregnant women and addressing sexual and reproductive health issues since the beginning of the bombings. In a video testimony, she describes her efforts to ensure no woman is left behind, traveling through tents to reach those who cannot move. The testimonies shared by Taghreed and other healthcare workers form part of Voci di Gaza, a series published by Il Fatto Quotidiano starting in October 2023. This initiative offers firsthand accounts from civilians living in the Strip, highlighting their experiences and the toll of ongoing conflict. These individuals have paid, and continue to pay, the highest price, both physically and emotionally, as the situation deteriorates further. Oxfam has launched a campaign titled “©Palestina, tutti i diritti riservati,” aiming to place the importance of Palestinian self-determination at the forefront of public discourse. The campaign underscores the need for international attention and support for the people of Palestine, particularly in the context of ongoing humanitarian crises. Through this effort, Oxfam seeks to amplify voices that have long been silenced and to call for urgent action to address the growing humanitarian emergency. The conditions in Gaza have worsened significantly over time. Infrastructure has been systematically destroyed, leaving entire communities without access to clean water, electricity, and medical services. Hospitals operate with limited resources, often forced to turn away patients. Women, already vulnerable due to societal roles and economic hardship, find themselves in even more precarious positions. Their ability to seek care, work, or even maintain basic hygiene is severely restricted. Many are forced to rely on makeshift solutions, using whatever materials they can scavenge or obtain through aid distribution. Healthcare professionals such as Taghred describe the daily challenges of operating in such an environment. With two medical centers functioning in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis, the teams must travel extensively to reach those in need. This includes visiting refugee camps and informal settlements where access is difficult. Despite these obstacles, the doctors remain committed to their mission, driven by a sense of duty and compassion. They emphasize that their work is not just about treating illness but about ensuring dignity and survival in the face of overwhelming adversity. International organizations and local groups continue to provide critical support, though the scale of the crisis far exceeds available resources. Aid agencies report that supply chains are frequently disrupted, and security concerns limit the scope of operations. Nevertheless, efforts persist to deliver food, medicine, and shelter to those most affected. The resilience of the people of Gaza is evident, yet the strain on their physical and mental well-being grows with each passing day. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on the immediate needs of the population, especially women and children. The role of international actors in addressing the humanitarian catastrophe becomes increasingly vital. Calls for ceasefire, aid delivery, and protection of civilian infrastructure grow louder, reflecting the mounting pressure on global leaders to take decisive action. For now, the work of doctors like Taghred continues, one visit at a time, in the hope that no one is forgotten.