At Nisa Foundation, our mission to provide refuge and support to women and children fleeing crisis situations in Canada is deeply rooted in a commitment to justice—not just for women in Canada, but for women globally. The devastating genocide in Gaza highlights a critical intersection between our core work—serving women in crisis—and standing up against injustices worldwide. The women we serve in Canada, often fleeing domestic violence, homelessness, and cycles of abuse, are part of a larger global picture of injustice. This connection is starkly evident in the current plight of Palestinian women and children.
By April 29, 2024, Israeli occupation forces in Gaza have killed 34,488 Palestinian, including 14,500 children and 9,500 women, making women and children 70% of the casualties. On average, 63 women, including 37 mothers, are killed every day. More than 17,000 children have been orphaned, leaving countless families shattered and struggling to cope with unimaginable loss.
The United Nations has described the situation as a “war against women.” Over 77,000 Palestinians have been injured, 75% of whom are female. Many of these women now live in overcrowded shelters, lack access to necessities such as water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. Among them are 155,000 women who are either pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or giving birth under these dire conditions.
Without proper sanitation, women and girls face increased health risks, including infections from the lack of menstrual hygiene products and inadequate facilities. To cope with the war’s relentless pressures, some women have resorted to taking period-delaying pills, despite the potential long-term health risks. These actions, born of desperation, reflect the gravity of their circumstances.
The psychological toll of all this has also been devastating for women in Gaza. Increased rates of miscarriages, stillbirths, and premature births have been reported, driven by the overwhelming stress and trauma of living in a war zone. Family separations, the collapse of law enforcement, and widespread gender-based violence have compounded the risks that women face. The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls has highlighted how Palestinian women have long endured systemic violence under Israeli occupation. The escalation of recent hostilities has only intensified this suffering, with many women becoming victims of war crimes.
Women constitute half of Gaza’s population, and nearly 47% of the population is under 18 years old. This young demographic underscores the essential role women play in shaping the next generation. With 11% of families in Gaza headed by women, the absence of mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters would create a profound disruption to the societal fabric, leaving families and communities to grapple with an irreplaceable void.
Women in Gaza are central not only to the immediate response to the crisis but also to the long-term recovery and rebuilding of their society. They are the cornerstone of family dynamics and community cohesion, acting as guardians of Palestinian cultural heritage, including traditions, language, and practices. The loss of so many women during this conflict makes the prospect of rebuilding postwar Gaza even more challenging. The absence of women from families and communities is a void that will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill.
The ongoing war in Gaza led by Israeli occupation forces is not just a humanitarian crisis—it is a direct assault on women’s lives, health, and futures.
At Nisa Foundation, we are acutely aware that global events have localized impact, both because we support women who are often fleeing conflicts abroad, as well as women locally who are impacted by the rise in Islamophobia and hate crimes. This not only makes women unsafe abroad, but in Canada too. Our advocacy for Palestine, alongside our commitment to serving women locally, reflects our mission to be a voice for those silenced by crisis.
We have been actively involved in resettling Palestinian families and advocating for safe exits from Gaza. Through coalition efforts, Nisa Foundation has provided crucial support to 500+ Palestinians who have been resettled in Canada. Our organization has contributed over $2 million toward settlement support, offering hope and relief to families devastated by Israeli air strikes on Gaza. To learn more: https://www.nisafoundation.ca/campaign/gaza-evacuee-support
As the genocide in Gaza continues, we call on our community to stand with us in supporting those most affected by this genocide. Palestinian women and children are facing unimaginable suffering. Let us raise our voices for the women and children to ensure that their plight does not go unnoticed. Together, we can work toward a future where justice prevails, and women everywhere can live free from violence and oppression.
Support Nisa Foundation’s work to provide aid for Palestinian evacuees from Gaza and help them restart their lives.
Donate Now: Gaza Evacuee Support
