In the heart of Gaza's makeshift camps, women stand as pillars of strength, holding families together amidst the chaos and destruction. But here's where it gets controversial: while the world focuses on the destruction, the personal struggles of women's survival inside these tents often go unseen. I am Shahd Adwan, a university student in Cairo, and I'm writing to shed light on the daily trials and resilience of women in these camps. My family of nine resides in a small displacement tent in Al-Zawaida, central Gaza, where education, survival, and dignity are constant battles. Like many others, my education has been disrupted by war, forcing me to walk long distances daily to attend online lectures. A typical day begins early, with household chores falling almost entirely on women. Cleaning, washing clothes by hand, cooking over open fires, and organizing limited space are daily responsibilities. Despite exhaustion and emotional strain, women continue these tasks while holding families together and preserving a sense of dignity. Most men spend their days searching for temporary labor or humanitarian aid, but the main burden of daily survival remains on women. Water, firewood, and cooking are constant struggles. Water is scarce and available only occasionally, forcing women to spend hours collecting it. Cooking is a constant battle, with no cooking gas available, women rely on stones, wood, and scraps of paper to build fires. Getting food itself has become extremely difficult, with most items unavailable due to the closure of the crossings into Gaza. Despite the harsh conditions, women support one another. When water or flour runs out, neighbors share what they can. When a child becomes sick, the community comes together to help. These small acts of solidarity create moments of strength and humanity amid daily struggle. From inside my family's tent, I write this to ensure that the daily trials of women here are not forgotten. Behind every tent is a story, and behind every woman is resilience. While the idea of leaving Gaza is omnipresent, the hope remains the same: a life of dignity, safety, and opportunity for ourselves and for future generations. We welcome your thoughts on this article. What are your thoughts on life in a Gaza tent? We would love your comments and encourage you to share your thoughts on this challenging yet inspiring topic.
