Empowering Palestinian girls against all odds – International Day of the Girl Child

Each year, the International Day of the Girl Child highlights the unique challenges that girls worldwide face and reaffirms our commitment to building a future where all girls can thrive. For Palestinian girls, growing up in regions like Gaza and the West Bank means navigating the additional hardships of conflict, displacement, and restricted access to resources that are essential to their well-being and development.

Today, we recognise their strength and resilience, and we call for international support to secure a brighter, more equitable future for Palestinian girls.

The Daily Struggles of Palestinian Girls

For Palestinian girls, daily life is marked by challenges that reach far beyond the usual pressures of adolescence. Many face limited access to education, healthcare, and social services. Frequent disruptions from conflict and restrictions on movement affect their ability to attend school, access adequate healthcare, and pursue dreams of a better future. In Gaza, where nearly half the population is under 18, Palestinian girls are growing up amidst destroyed infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and limited access to educational resources due to blockades.

The impact of these challenges is profound. Girls are often forced to leave school early, not because of a lack of ambition but due to the difficulties in accessing safe educational spaces. Despite this, Palestinian girls have shown tremendous resilience, excelling academically and pursuing careers against the odds whenever they are given the chance.

The Role of Education: A Lifeline for Palestinian Girls

Education is more than a right—it is a powerful tool that helps girls build a future, find a voice, and participate in shaping their communities. UNRWA’s schools have historically played a critical role in providing Palestinian girls with a safe learning environment, offering them educational and psychosocial support in the face of trauma. Since the attack on Gaza began last year, over 280 of the UNRWA schools in Gaza have faced closure and are having to operate as emergency shelters for the displaced Gazans.

For many Palestinian girls, these schools were a place to learn and a sanctuary where they could dream of a better life. These schools have provided a crucial sense of normalcy and hope in a region marked by instability.

Beyond education, Palestinian girls face critical health challenges, including limited access to reproductive healthcare, counseling, and support services. Trauma from conflict and the stress of living in an unstable environment take a toll on their mental health. Humanitarian organisations, including Interpal, worked to provide essential health services and psychological support, but the needs far outweigh the resources available. Comprehensive mental health services remain out of reach for many, and the lack of consistent healthcare facilities affects every aspect of life for young Palestinian girls.

Supporting Palestinian Girls’ Right to a Future

On this International Day of the Girl Child, we must stand together to support Palestinian girls’ right to education, health, and protection. By advocating for the end of the attack on Gaza and demanding that humanitarian aid reach Palestinian communities unimpeded, we can help secure their basic human rights. We urge our supporters to take action by contacting their MPs to push the UK government to support policies that protect and empower Palestinian girls.

What You Can Do to Help:

1. Raise Awareness – Share information about the unique challenges faced by Palestinian girls. Bring their stories to your community and social media circles to amplify their voices.
2. Advocate for Education and Health Access – Contact your MP and urge them to support policies that prioritise access to education, healthcare, and protection for Palestinian girls.
3. Support Humanitarian Efforts – Contribute to organisations that work directly in Palestinian communities to support girls’ health, education, and well-being.

Today, let us celebrate the courage of Palestinian girls and commit to standing by their side. Together, we can ensure they have the resources, support, and opportunities they deserve to grow into empowered women and leaders for tomorrow.