Published : 12-03-2025
Syria | Action Group
On International Women's Day, we highlight the reality of Palestinian women in refugee camps in Syria, and the major humanitarian, social and economic challenges they face in light of the ongoing Syrian crisis since 2011.
Increasing Challenges
The number of Palestinians in Syria is estimated at about 438,000, of whom women constitute 49%, distributed across 13 camps and different population centers. The Syrian crisis has greatly affected Palestinian refugees, as 58% of them have been displaced, and many have lost their lives, loved ones or property. Displacement has led to the disintegration of family and community relations, and the burdens placed on women to support their families and maintain the continuity of life under harsh conditions have increased.
A difficult economic reality
Women in the camps suffer from a lack of educational and economic opportunities, as statistics indicate that 45% of them are housewives unable to work, while only 15% work, 10% remain unemployed, and 30% are outside the labor force. However, a large percentage of women would like to work if they were given appropriate training and job opportunities.
The issue of widows and porcees
The issue of widows and porcees who bear the responsibility of supporting their families is one of the most prominent challenges facing Palestinian women in the camps. Many of them lost their partners due to war and conflict, making them the only ones responsible for providing for their families’ basic needs. These women work in various fields, such as freelance work or simple services, to secure a living for their families. However, it is difficult to accurately determine the numbers of widows and porcees due to the conditions of displacement and ongoing conflicts.
Resilience and Creativity
Despite the challenges, Palestinian women in refugee camps in Syria provide inspiring models of defiance, patience and creativity. There are many stories told of women who have lost their husbands or who work hard to support their children, confirming their ability to overcome difficulties and achieve tangible achievements in building their community.
The need for support
It is necessary to provide the necessary support for these women by enhancing education and vocational training opportunities, and providing sustainable job opportunities. Their rights must also be enhanced and they must be protected from violence and discrimination in all its forms. On International Women's Day, the Action Group for Palestinians of Syria stresses the importance of honoring the steadfastness of Palestinian women in the camps, and calls for supporting and empowering them to achieve their ambitions and live in dignity and freedom.
Syria | Action Group
On International Women's Day, we highlight the reality of Palestinian women in refugee camps in Syria, and the major humanitarian, social and economic challenges they face in light of the ongoing Syrian crisis since 2011.
Increasing Challenges
The number of Palestinians in Syria is estimated at about 438,000, of whom women constitute 49%, distributed across 13 camps and different population centers. The Syrian crisis has greatly affected Palestinian refugees, as 58% of them have been displaced, and many have lost their lives, loved ones or property. Displacement has led to the disintegration of family and community relations, and the burdens placed on women to support their families and maintain the continuity of life under harsh conditions have increased.
A difficult economic reality
Women in the camps suffer from a lack of educational and economic opportunities, as statistics indicate that 45% of them are housewives unable to work, while only 15% work, 10% remain unemployed, and 30% are outside the labor force. However, a large percentage of women would like to work if they were given appropriate training and job opportunities.
The issue of widows and porcees
The issue of widows and porcees who bear the responsibility of supporting their families is one of the most prominent challenges facing Palestinian women in the camps. Many of them lost their partners due to war and conflict, making them the only ones responsible for providing for their families’ basic needs. These women work in various fields, such as freelance work or simple services, to secure a living for their families. However, it is difficult to accurately determine the numbers of widows and porcees due to the conditions of displacement and ongoing conflicts.
Resilience and Creativity
Despite the challenges, Palestinian women in refugee camps in Syria provide inspiring models of defiance, patience and creativity. There are many stories told of women who have lost their husbands or who work hard to support their children, confirming their ability to overcome difficulties and achieve tangible achievements in building their community.
The need for support
It is necessary to provide the necessary support for these women by enhancing education and vocational training opportunities, and providing sustainable job opportunities. Their rights must also be enhanced and they must be protected from violence and discrimination in all its forms. On International Women's Day, the Action Group for Palestinians of Syria stresses the importance of honoring the steadfastness of Palestinian women in the camps, and calls for supporting and empowering them to achieve their ambitions and live in dignity and freedom.
