December 18th 2024.
In Palestine, the lack of funding for education and preventing gender-based violence is a major concern. Recent data has revealed that women and girls in Gaza and the West Bank are not receiving enough support to combat this issue. According to the United Nations, the global funding to protect women and girls from gender-based violence in 2024 was only £3 per person. This is a shockingly low amount and highlights the urgent need for more resources to be allocated towards this cause.
Not only is funding for preventing gender-based violence inadequate, but education funding in Gaza and the West Bank is also alarmingly low. As per the UN Humanitarian Appeal, children in these areas are only receiving £19 each, which is a striking contrast to the average per-pupil funding of £7,460 in the UK. This disparity is concerning, especially considering the fact that there are 2.76 million women living in Gaza and the West Bank, as reported by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
These issues are further exacerbated by the current state of uncertainty and conflict in the region. The displacement of over 950,000 women and girls from their homes has put them at a higher risk of facing gender-based violence. In fact, 95% of confirmed cases of violence are against women and girls in times of displacement. This risk is further heightened by factors like food insecurity and disruptions to essential services.
Nagore Moran, a Gender in Emergencies Advisor at Plan International UK, explains that crises and conflicts often worsen existing gender inequalities, leading to a surge in gender-based violence. She also highlights the link between displacement, food insecurity, and disruptions to essential services with various forms of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and early and forced child marriage.
The lack of funding also affects the protection of vulnerable children, with only £7 being allocated to each child in 2024. This insufficient funding means that children may not have access to essential mental health and psychosocial support services, which can have long-lasting impacts. Moreover, gender-based violence can also hinder children's education, as 85% of schools in Gaza require reconstruction before they can function properly again.
During times of uncertainty, women and girls are at the most risk. Amelia Whitworth, Head of Policy, Campaigns, and Youth at Plan International UK, states that the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank has put girls and women living in displacement at a higher risk of violence and abuse. The destruction of services for survivors of gender-based violence by the Israeli military has only added to their suffering and mental health struggles.
In light of this alarming situation, Metro launched a year-long campaign called "This Is Not Right" on November 25, 2024, to address the ongoing epidemic of violence against women. Through this campaign, they aim to raise awareness and empower readers on this critical issue, with the help of their partner, Women's Aid. They also invite readers to share their stories and experiences with them via email.
The UK Government's recent announcement of £19 million in funding for Gaza is a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go. As Whitworth emphasizes, much more funding is urgently needed to prevent the devastating impact of violence against women and girls in this region. She also urges the UK Government to take action by halting the export of arms and pushing for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the region. Only then can we hope to see a brighter future for girls and young women in Gaza and the West Bank.
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