Womankind Worldwide adds a voice to the Israel and Gaza conflict now on Day 13

Womankind Worldwide expresses concern over the rising civilian deaths in the escalating conflict in Israel, the Gaza Strip and Occupied Palestinian Territories. 

This conflict stems from the long-standing and illegal occupation of Palestinian land that has unfortunately seen Palestinians live under apartheid for decades. Throughout the Gaza blockade women and girls have disproportionately suffered and continue to do so to date. 

As this crisis intensifies, women and children in the Gaza Strip continue to pay the heaviest price.  They have been killed, displaced from their homes, held hostage and denied access to essentials including food, medical care, water, electricity and sexual and reproductive health services.  This has left them without protection or safety, infringing on their human rights. 

Any war has devastating effects. These are felt for generations to come. This conflict is not different. It is a threat to gender equality with many women and girls now exposed to sexual violence, exploitation, harassment and isolation. 

We call on all parties to urgently prioritize civilian protection, their safety and access to urgent humanitarian care. International Humanitarian Law (IHL) must also be upheld, respected and followed particularly in the indiscriminate attacks upon civilians and the relocation of communities from Gaza, which is now in a dire state. 

As the international community rises to action globally, we demand urgent prioritisation of the rights of women and girls. The same should be centered in all humanitarian efforts.  The voices of feminist movements and women’s rights organizations must also be respected, heard and included in all humanitarian and peace efforts. 

Most Global North states including the UK that have unequivocally showed their support for Israel must acknowledge their role in the continuation of current killings of innocent lives which goes against international commitments on international human rights laws and to some states it goes against their commitment to feminist policies. Simply put, they must walk the talk in all peace efforts which must be non-discriminatory and not show any bias.   The UK government should leverage its diplomatic role as an ally of Israel to hold it accountable and ensure no further violations of the IHL. 

We add our voice and stand in solidarity with all women, girls and civilians affected by this unfortunate hostility which is now on Day 13 and call for an immediate cease fire. Peace, freedom and justice must prevail, and we hope that this will not be denied to the communities most affected by this conflict, and in line with International Humanitarian Law. 

This is an update to the statement following the Gaza and Israel ceasefire deal on 15 January 2025

With the ceasefire in place in Gaza, what is Womankind’s position on the plight of women affected by the conflict?

”The ceasefire offers a critical moment of respite, but women and girls in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank, and the entire region deserve lasting security, dignity, and peace. 

We hope that the ceasefire holds and paves the way for a just resolution that prioritises the protection of all civilians, especially women and girls who have suffered and continue to suffer immensely. As the ceasefire holds, it is critical that aid flows into Gaza. Humanitarian assistance is urgently needed to reduce hunger and disease. 

This conflict has persisted for decades. Months of violence and bombardment of Gaza in the recent escalation have left thousands killed, injured, and displaced, with homes, hospitals, and essential infrastructure destroyed. Women and girls in Gaza make up the majority of those killed, displaced and deprived of essential services. 

Women and girls in Israel have also experienced loss of life, insecurity, and sexual violence in the October 2023 Hamas attack.  

As an organisation committed to women’s rights and peace, we condemn all violence against women and girls. 

We emphasise the urgent need for their protection, safe and humane return of those held in captivity as part of the ongoing conflict and for the inclusion of women in peacebuilding efforts. We call on all parties to uphold international law, ensure the safety of civilians, and work toward a just and lasting peace that respects human rights.”

What is Womankind’s response to reports of violence against women affected by the Gaza conflict?

”Women and children are the primary victims of violence in this conflict. We oppose human rights violations by all parties and condemn all acts of sexual and gender-based violence, regardless of the perpetrators, the victims, or the location. Violence against women, including conflict-related sexual violence, should be recognised as a war crime and impartially investigated. 

We condemn all forms of violence against women and girls resulting from this conflict, including sexual violence, hostage-taking, and the killing of civilians by Hamas. We condemn the indiscriminate destruction of Gaza by Israel, where women and girls had no place of safety and made up the majority of those killed, displaced and deprived of basic services.”

How does Womankind Worldwide ensure that its advocacy and communications remain impartial and inclusive, and what principles guide the organization’s position?

”We believe in a world where all women, girls, and people of all genders enjoy equal rights and freedoms and live with safety, choice, and dignity. 

Our organisational positions are guided by a human rights-based approach that centers advocacy on international human rights frameworks and the principles of feminism, gender equality, and justice. In conflict situations, our advocacy is guided by the principles of protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law. 

To ensure our advocacy is impartial and inclusive, we listen to our partners to reflect real experiences grounded in local contexts, making sure that the voices and needs of women affected by violence, discrimination, and oppression guide our work. We regularly review our advocacy positions to ensure we remain true to our core goal of supporting women’s rights and gender equality. Our commitment to learning as an organisation keeps us adapting and growing.”