Throughout human history, wars have been the most brutal form of violence directed against women's bodies. Wars that reinforce militarism and cut women off from their living spaces are among the main factors that increase massacres. In Lebanon, where the Israel-Hezbollah war continues, women greet the 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in the shadow of war. Israel's attacks on the Palestinian city of Gaza, which have been continuing since 8 October 2023, spread to Lebanon on 1 October. While the attacks were intensified especially in the southern cities and Bekaa and Baalbek regions, more than 3 thousand people, including women and children, were killed and more than 13 thousand people were injured.

 

We talked about the situation in Lebanon and the effects of the war with academician, writer and journalist Dr Sonia Achkar.

 

WOMEN IN THE SHADOW OF WAR

 

Sonia Achkar, who lives in Lebanon, said that the war does not coincide with the views of the Lebanese. Sonia Achkar stated that Lebanese women are taking a determined stance in solidarity for a solution and that they want to force Hezbollah to reconsider its decisions taken without the approval of the Lebanese government. Sonia Achkar said: “Of course, Lebanese women want peace, reassurance and psychological comfort. They want stability and drive  that improve their social and political reality." 

 

Sonia Achkar stated that the war affected the people in different ways. “The main two are first psychological warfare. People are always afraid. They follow the news every day to check situation in Beirut. For example, in the road are blocked or saved, etc. Second works, employees are fearful of going to work, especially if they live in districts they are near the rates. It's very dangerous. And some companies start to give the employees half salary due to the hard situation that Lebanon is passing through right now. Lebanese women consider the warfare as a nightmare because they live with their families in an enabled and stable life with many difficult especially with their kids, because some schools, and universities are closed due the war. The most affected women in war are those displaced from the Hizballah environment. They lost everything, their homes, cars, work, and maybe some family members unfortunately," she said.

 

WOMEN'S ORGANISATION

 

Organised power is lacking in the women's struggle against the war said Sonia Achkar and added: “they are organized Women Against Violence, such as KAFA. Additionally, there are women activist and influential who oppose war, but their efforts are limited due to the absence of local support unfortunately. Despite this, they organize protests and seminars to raise awareness and promote peace throughout live." Sonia Achkar said that more support from international organisations is needed.

 

Finally, Sonia Achkar made the following call: “My call is for us to be united against any enemy, whether internal or external, and not to accuse any Lebanese group or sect of treason. What we have witnessed recently indicates the fragility of our national unity. Because Lebanon has become a resilient land against anyone who tries to damage it. This is what Lebanon needs. We hope that the war will end soon and peace will spread all over the world."

 

MA / Hivda Çelebi