Worldwide, women and children make up almost 70% of those affected by conflicts. But the impact goes beyond just fatalities; the implications are deeply embedded
FROM Lebanon to Iran, modern warfare shows that women and children are not just casualties but are among the most structurally vulnerable victims.
The imagery presented is both profound and unsettling. In Lebanon, a father laid to rest his four daughters, who were ages four to 13. These children were not engaged in any warfare. Despite their resilience, they ultimately fell victim to the conflict. Simultaneously, reports from Iran indicate that airstrikes targeting educational institutions resulted in the tragic deaths of scores of schoolgirls: Classrooms turned into environments of devastation.
These are not isolated incidents. They reveal a deeper and more troubling reality in contemporary warfare: civilian spaces have become soft targets, and within them, women and children bear the greatest burden.
Recent estimates related to the uncalled-for and illegal US-Israeli strikes on Iran indicate that hundreds of civilians have been killed and millions displaced, including a significant number of women and children. The destruction is extensive, impacting more than 750 schools, over 300 healthcare centres, and upwards of 90,000 homes, with more than 115,000 civilian structures targeted. This level of destruction has disrupted various systems essential for daily life.
It transcends mere economic loss; it signifies the disintegration of fundamental survival mechanisms. The destruction of educational institutions results in children not only losing their academic opportunities but also destabilising their emotional and social environments. The damage to healthcare facilities poses significant risks, mostly for women in need of maternal healthcare, potentially leading to life-threatening complications. Elimination of residential structures forces families into displacement, repeatedly depriving them of essential protections and basic services.
Women and children make up a major portion of casualties in conflict zones, and they also face unique challenges as warfare impacts their survival and well-being.
Worldwide, women and children make up almost 70% of those affected by conflicts. But the impact goes beyond just fatalities; the implications are deeply embedded.
For children, the destruction of schools means an abrupt loss of education. Today, over 222 million children worldwide are affected by conflict-related educational disruption, with girls facing the greatest barriers to returning. In Iran, the bombing of schools and displacement of families has left children without safe learning spaces.
For women, the collapse of healthcare systems creates immediate danger. Hospitals are under strain, with shortages of medical supplies, and the destruction of healthcare centres limits access to maternal and reproductive care. In such conditions, pregnancy and childbirth become life-threatening risks.
Lebanon and Iran illustrate how different conflicts produce similar outcomes for civilians.
In Lebanon, the ongoing violence has made it common for people to be forced to leave their homes and for civilians to be caught in the middle of conflicts. Meanwhile, in Iran, increasing tensions have led to millions of people being uprooted from their homes, often with little notice and without places to stay safe.
Women and children, who depend most on healthcare, education, and social protection systems, are disproportionately affected when these systems collapse.
The destruction of educational institutions results in children being deprived of learning environments, thereby increasing the likelihood of permanent dropout, particularly among girls. This situation frequently culminates in early marriages, economic dependency, and long-term marginalisation.
Healthcare systems are under significant strain due to damage to hospitals and emergency centres, which limits access to treatment, vaccinations, and maternal care. Hospitals are experiencing high patient loads, addressing injuries, burns, and psychological trauma, with a significant number of affected individuals being children.
Environmental damage from strikes further exposes populations to polluted air, contaminated water, and long-term health risks that disproportionately affect children.
War extends beyond the loss of life; it systematically undermines the critical conditions necessary for both survival and sustainable development.
Children who are exposed to recurrent violence encounter significant long-term emotional and cognitive difficulties. Displacement exacerbates these vulnerabilities, placing women and children in precarious circumstances where the risks of exploitation, gender-based violence, and deprivation are heightened.
Displacement for girls resulted in the cessation of education and social participation, which may have perpetuated cycles of inequality.
Historically, Malala Yousafzai’s narrative galvanised international support for educational rights, serving as a poignant emblem of advocacy for girls’ education. This pivotal moment in global consciousness was significant. However, in the contemporary context, where numerous girls lose their lives in conflict-affected areas, the international community’s response lacks the same level of engagement and urgency. The disparity in attention underscores a troubling inconsistency in advocacy efforts in the face of ongoing violence and systemic barriers to education for women and girls.
Is the global focus on the well-being of women and children a universal principle, or is it influenced by prevailing narratives and visibility?
In Iran, the rate of female literacy has undergone a remarkable transformation, with women now representing a substantial portion of university students. However, the narrative is more nuanced than often depicted. While challenges undoubtedly persist, it is imperative to understand that the current disruptions are driven not by cultural narratives but by the forces of conflict, sanctions, and instability. The progress made by women in the face of these adversities is a testament to their resilience and determination.
The vulnerability of women and children in wartime is a longstanding issue. Over the course of history, civilians have frequently faced violence, enslavement, or displacement without any distinction. In response to this persistent concern, modern international law has aimed to provide greater protection through frameworks such as the Geneva Conventions and the Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict. These instruments establish essential safeguards for civilians in situations of armed conflict.
The current dynamics of contemporary conflict reveal a profound contradiction. The ongoing aerial bombardment of educational institutions, the destruction of medical facilities, and the displacement of millions illustrate that the fundamental issue lies not in a lack of legal frameworks but rather in the failure to implement and uphold these laws effectively.
History teaches us a poignant lesson: wars that promise security often lead to prolonged instability and deep human suffering. The conflicts in Iraq in 2003 and Lebanon in 2006, for instance, have left countless civilians in distress without bringing about lasting peace. As we witness the current conflict unfold, we must acknowledge the high human cost and the uncertainty ahead. It’s a tragic reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in the face of such turmoil.
Evidence from conflict zones, ranging from Lebanon to Iran, clearly illustrates that women and children disproportionately bear the burdens of war, both in numerical terms and in the profound, lasting impact on their lives.
If prevailing trends continue, we can anticipate substantial outcomes, including:
* A generation facing critical gaps in their educational attainment,
* Extensive psychological distress with enduring effects on mental health, and
* Escalating social inequalities are intensified by the complexities of the ongoing conflict
The pivotal question has shifted from simply acknowledging this pattern to evaluating our commitment to transformative action.
Eventually, the true measure of warfare resides not in territorial gains but in the lasting effects on human lives and the fabric of societies. Our response to this reality will shape not only the present but the future of generations to come. We must prioritise lives over land and dedicate ourselves to redefining our approach to conflict, thereby paving the way for lasting peace and equality for all.
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Dr Shabistan Gaffar is Chairperson of All India Confederation for Women’s Empowerment and ex-chairperson of the women’s cell of National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI). She can be reached at shabistangaffar@gmail.com
