“Dignity Kits” for Displaced Women in Deir Al-Balah 

Within its efforts to support women, girls, and marginalized groups amid the genocide, the Social Developmental Forum (SDF) team has distributed over 150 dignity kits to displaced Palestinian women in the middle area of the Gaza Strip. This initiative was implemented in partnership with Education Above All (EAA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The distribution process was implemented by a group of female SDF youth network members who visited the “Together For Palestine 3 and 4” camps, met with the displaced women, and expressed their support and respect for their resilience amidst the hardships of living in make-shift tents.

Providing Essential Supplies for Women

During the distribution, the team engaged with women who expressed their appreciation for such an initiative, emphasizing the importance of these kits in alleviating the immense difficulties faced by displaced women. They highlighted the need to focus on this group, given their significant social burdens and household responsibilities.

Hadeel Abu Zaid, the SDF’s project manager, stated, “The dignity kits contribute to providing essential resources for displaced women, who face significant challenges, amid the scarcity of hygiene supplies and the skyrocketing prices.”

Alongside representatives of the Education Above All Foundation and the UNFPA, Abu Zaid participated in the distribution process, which is part of the project “Restoring Hope for Palestinians”.

Meeting short-time needs:

Fadia Abu Qumbeiz is a 41-year-old internally displaced woman in the “Together For Palestine 3” camp. She expressed her gratitude, wearing a new leather slipper supplied with the kit. She remarked, “These items are expensive, but much needed and helpful. We’ve been waiting for such aid for a long time because of the lack of shoes, clothing, and personal items. It’s mitigated our burden amid the daily struggles.”

Similarly, the 33 IDP, Sabrine Zaqout, said, “These kits are timely needed; something as simple as shoes or a prayer mat is not affordable to us, but urgently needed amid the displacement.”

Jihad Awad is a 55 displaced woman with a physical disability, who received her “dignity kit” while sitting in her wheelchair in the forefront of her tent. She shared her thoughts stating: “The kits contain valuable items that are very expensive in the local market. We hope that focus remains centered on women’s needs”

The 39 Basma Al-Jamal expressed her gratitude and that of other women in the camp for receiving the kits, saying “In the current situation, prices are soaring, and we desperately need the clothing and other essentials included.”

Essential Support for Women

The dignity kits distributed to several displacement camps included a variety of women’s essentials, such as prayer mats, traditional dresses, and shoes—items that have become prohibitively expensive. The kits also contained women’s hygiene products, a crucial need given the harsh daily conditions in the displacement camps. With limited water access and difficulties obtaining personal hygiene supplies, these kits are expected to provide short-term relief for displaced women.