Palestine. Lebanon. Syria. Yemen. Somalia and Sudan. Buried beneath the headlines of war, crisis and climate change-fuelled calamities lies a wealth of stories of hope and transformation.
Working deep within some of the most vulnerable communities across the Arab region, dedicated and resilient women, girls and young people are quietly changing lives, opening new worlds of opportunity, and laying the foundations for a healthy, secure and sustainable future.
That future relies on the empowerment of women and girls, who must be accorded autonomy over their lives, bodies and futures. That is to say, their sexual and reproductive health and rights must be safeguarded and fulfilled, their lives protected from violence and their choices and voices respected. When women and girls are equipped with the knowledge and ability to protect themselves and their futures, they protect the promise of a better tomorrow for us all.
Djibouti
Fathia
“I chose to be a teacher to help young girls. I made this choice because I saw that when my sisters [who were cut] had their periods they suffered much more pain than me.”
Fathia (pictured on the right) is shown alongside her fellow outreach worker colleagues during a door-to-door community outreach initiative aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence, including Female Genital Mutilation. ©UNFPA ASRO/Stefania Bounajuti.
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Fathia Othman Said, an outreach worker with the Rasmy Association, part of the Elles&Elles network, actively promotes gender equality and raises awareness about gender-based violence through door-to-door visits.© UNFPA ASRO/Stefania Bounajuti.
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
An interactive discusion to increase understanding of the harmful practices of gender-based violence, including Female Genital Mutilation. © UNFPA ASRO/Stefania Bounajuti.
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Mouna Yazein Zeid, a peer educator specializing in gender-based violence, engages in a conversation with Ikra Ainis Abdallah to offer information, guidance, and support. © UNFPA ASRO/Stefania Bounajuti
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
During a home visit, a team of young women talks to Sania Saleh Seif to raise awareness of gender-based violence and female genital mutilation. © UNFPA ASRO/Stefania Bounajuti
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Fathia takes a proactive role in fostering gender equality and raising awareness about gender-based violence. She facilitates discussions with women and young people, inspiring positive change. © UNFPA ASRO/Stefania Bounajuti
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Egypt
Rabaa
“Many things were new to me, like female genital mutilation and family planning. I worked hard to become a trainer in reproductive health, and I learned new leadership skills.”
During a play aimed at raising awareness about female genital mutilation, Mariam and Aya, both members of the Nawah youth theatre team, took on acting roles to effectively convey the message. ©UNFPA ASRO/Nadine Yasser.
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Rabaa, flanked by Aya and Yasmine, performs on stage to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health among the youth. ©UNFPA ASRO/Nadine Yasser
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Nawah youth theatre members Jihad and Ahmed use theatre to raise awareness of reproductive health and rights. ©UNFPA ASRO/Nadine Yasser
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Yasmine and Aya, two young performers, laugh during a lively performance. ©UNFPA ASRO/Nadine Yasser
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Ahmed and Rabaa share the stage, with Ahmed portraying the character of a doctor. ©UNFPA ASRO/Nadine Yasser
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
A group of women refugees actively participate in an icebreaker activity during a community awareness-raising session on gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health at a women and girls safe space. ©UNFPA ASRO/Mahitab Hossam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
During a brainstorming session, a participant contributed a post-it note suggesting strategies for adapting and overcoming obstacles. ©UNFPA ASRO/Mahitab Hossam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
A group of Sudanese women refugees enthusiastically participate in a community awareness-raising session at a safe space for women and girls supported by UNFPA. ©UNFPA ASRO/Mahitab Hossam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
During an awareness-raising session, an instructor leads a discussion on coping strategies specifically tailored to the needs of women refugees. ©UNFPA ASRO/Mahitab Hossam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Prior to the awareness-raising session starts, women take turns introducing themselves and sharing their personal experiences. ©UNFPA ASRO/Mahitab Hossam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Jordan
Aisha
“I’ve learned many things about how to support, raise and educate my children. I didn’t know about family planning before, and I stopped having children six years ago.”
Young Sham Hourani learns self-defense techniques under the guidance of her teacher, Mouna Arda in the Zaatari camp for refugees. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ghinwa Daher
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in November 2023.
Group photo of a self-defense class at Zaatari camp, featuring the teacher Mouna Arda and her students: Arwa El Hariri, Hala El Oqleh, Tabarok Ayyash, Sham Hariri, and Abeer Baradan. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ghinwa Daher
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in November 2023.
As part of her self-defense training, Nour Ghozlan, learns to master the art of kickboxing. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ghinwa Daher
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in November 2023.
Hala and Malak engage in chess helping them to enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ghinwa Daher
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in November 2023.
Arwa, Hala, Tabarok, Abeer, and Yamama engage in a warm-up routine prior to their self-defense session. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ghinwa Daher
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in November 2023.
Shaymaa, Sharefeh, Rahaf, and Reem proudly displayed their artwork during a drawing and making class. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ghinwa Daher
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in November 2023.
Nada dedicatedly works on her artwork during the drawing and making class. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ghinwa Daher
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in November 2023.
Lebanon
Amina*
“I lost the will to live but the social worker told me I was still young, and that I had many more things to do in life.”
*Name has been changed for protection
Nurse Najah diligently performs a general check-up on a Syrian refugee woman at the primary health centre. ©UNFPA ASRO/Elsy Hajjar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Hiba delivers a psychosocial support session to a group of women refugees at the primary health centre in Makassed, Bechoura. ©UNFPA ASRO/Elsy Hajjar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Women await their turn to consult with either a gynecologist or a midwife at the primary health centre. ©UNFPA ASRO/Elsy Hajjar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Nurse Soha provides various medications, which also include contraceptives, within the healthcare centre’s subsidized sexual and reproductive services for women refugees. ©UNFPA ASRO/Elsy Hajjar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Dr. Wadad, an OB-GYN Physician, provides a consultation to a patient. ©UNFPA ASRO/Elsy Hajjar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Palestine
Abdel Salam
“My wife and I married early, and I don’t want my daughters to go through that.”
Najwan and Razan, UNFPA volunteers, organize dignity kits for distribution to adolescent girls. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in January 2024.
To ensure the well-being and hygiene of women and girls, dignity kits are distributed, containing essential items such as sanitary pads, underwear, toothbrushes with toothpaste, combs, deodorants, soap, shampoo, and potentially a whistle or flashlight. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in January 2024.
Essential hygiene supplies carefully packed and prepared for distribution. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in January 2024.
Najwan and Razan pack dignity kits, ensuring each one is properly prepared for distribution among their peers. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in January 2024.
Before distribution, UNFPA volunteer Razan inspects each dignity kit for completeness. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in January 2024.
Dr. Baraa Almatour performs an ultrasound examination on a pregnant woman at the mobile clinic. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
At the mobile clinic's reception area, Asraa, accompanied by her two children, engaged in a conversation with nurses Nadia and Dina. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Samraa Faqour (left) offers postpartum care and guidance on family planning to patient Afaf Issa (right). ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Islam, a community health worker, raises awareness about breast cancer and provides information on sexual and reproductive health. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Samira and her newborn baby sleeping on her lap awaits for the postpartum care session. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Hanadi and Rima participate in a friendly competition during the mothers and daughters' sports day organized by Burj Alluqluq Community Centre as part of the parenting activities designed to strengthen parent-teen communication. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
In a Women and Girls Arts workshop, a mother and daughter collaborate on painting a vase, an activity designed to foster stronger communication between parent and teen. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
During a Parenting Teens workshop, Zeinab and her mother Sherine actively engage with coach Osama Faraj, attentively listening and participating in the discussion. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
In a Parenting Teens workshop, mothers from diverse backgrounds - Areen, Rima, Hanadi, Nisreen, and Tala - come together with a shared desire to comprehend and overcome the hurdles of raising teenagers. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
A group of teen girls attend a Q-Robot session and engage in discussions about digital safety, delving into issues like cyberbullying and the complexities of social media. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Despite looking like a fun toy, the Q-Robot is actually super smart. It's like a cool teacher that helps youth learn about digital safety and addressing topics like bullying and social media. ©UNFPA ASRO/Julie Dakwar
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Somalia
Dr. Shuceyb
“I’m a doctor, and my goal is to end this harmful practice of female genital mutilation.”
During attending the female genital mutilation awareness session, Naimo has her blood pressure taken by Dr. Shoaib as part of the general checkup offered to all women. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ayesha Zubeir.
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
At an awareness-raising event against female genital mutilation, Dr. Shuceyb, a previous practitioner of female genital mutilation and now an activist with the Dear Daughter campaign, offers women information and conducts blood pressure tests. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ayesha Zubeir.
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
During an awareness-raising event, Imran (standing in the yellow jacket), a representative of UNFPA's partner organization, the Ifrah Foundation, illustrates the harmful consequences of female genital mutilation. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ayesha Zubeir.
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Women and men came together for an awareness-raising event against female genital mutilation as part of the Dear Daughter campaign activities at the Rabi Yassir camp for internally displaced people on the outskirts of Mogadishu. ©UNFPA ASRO/Ayesha Zubeir
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Abdifah, a representative from the Ifrah Foundation, a UNFPA partner, engaged in discussions with women during the awareness-raising campaign against female genital mutilation.
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Sudan
Nesma
“My husband left me. He said he wouldn’t stay with a woman with a fistula. It was very hard. I stayed at home all the time and couldn’t attend any events.”
Nesma (second from the right) awaits her check-up following a successful obstetric fistula repair surgery. ©UNFPA ASRO/Rofida Khalfalla
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in November 2023.
Nesma, an obstetric fistula survivor, receives a post-repair surgery check-up from Dr. Mohyi Eddin Hamdouk, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, at the UNFPA-supported clinic in Al Damazin. ©UNFPA ASRO/Rofida Khalfalla
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in November 2023.
At the UNFPA-supported clinic in Al Damazin, women patiently await their turn to receive essential sexual and reproductive health services. ©UNFPA ASRO/Rofida Khalfalla
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in November 2023.
Itmithal awaits her postnatal appointment, cradling her infant in her arms at Al Takainat Health Centre in Wad Madani. ©UNFPA ASRO/Rofida Khalfalla
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Women await crucial antenatal and postnatal healthcare services at the Al Takainat Health Centre in Wad Mandani. ©UNFPA ASRO/Rofida Khalfalla
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
At the Al Takainat Health Centre in Wad Madani, Fatima and Taiba, accompanied by their children, patiently await their postnatal appointments. ©UNFPA ASRO/Rofida Khalfalla
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Working at the UNFPA-supported Al Takainat Health Centre, Dr. Fatima, is part of a dedicated team offering essential reproductive healthcare services to internally displaced people affected by the war. ©UNFPA ASRO/Razan Mahjub Yasin Khairalla
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
A tender moment at the Al Takainat Health Centre in Wad Madani, where a mother lovingly holds her baby in her arms. ©UNFPA ASRO/Rofida Khalfalla
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Midwife Mona provides valuable guidance and support to educate pregnant women and mothers. ©UNFPA ASRO/Rofida Khalfalla
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Syria
Samah
“I got married when I was just 13. I felt worthless at home. I had no rights. But now, I feel much stronger and more independent.”
At an awareness-raising session, women actively participate in discussions and acquire knowledge about the impact of child marriage. ©UNFPA ASRO/Zein Khuzam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
During the nursing training at the Women's Support and Development Centre in Douma, Douaa, seen on the right in the image, engages in practical exercises by taking the blood pressure of her fellow trainee, Inaam. ©UNFPA ASRO/Zein Khuzam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Young women learn how to use hypodermic needles during the nursing training at the UNFPA-supported Women's Support and Development Centre in Douma. ©UNFPA ASRO/Zein Khuzam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
A woman attends a sewing workshop at the Women's Support and Development Centre to develop her practical skills. ©UNFPA ASRO/Zein Khuzam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
A participant proudly displays a garment she crafted with her own hands, showcasing the skills she acquired during the sewing workshop. ©UNFPA ASRO/Zein Khuzam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Gynecologist Ruba and midwife Maysoon attentively listen to a patient's concerns and medical history at the mobile clinic supported by UNFPA. ©UNFPA ASRO/Zein Khuzam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Pediatrician Dr. Rafi conducts an examination of a young girl's ear during the mobile clinic visit to the village of Sahya in rural Damascus. ©UNFPA ASRO/Zein Khuzam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
During a visit to the village of Sahya in rural Damascus, Gynecologist Ruba conductes an ultrasound scan on a pregnant woman at the mobile clinic. ©UNFPA ASRO/Zein Khuzam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
A member of the mobile clinic team documents a patient's details during a visit to Sahya village in rural Damascus. ©UNFPA ASRO/Zein Khuzam
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Yemen
Randa
“I trained in midwifery because of how much I suffered during childbirth. No one explained anything to me. I didn’t have any information.”
During a photography workshop, a participant examines a photo captured during the training session. UNFPA-supported women and girls’ safe space in Sana'a provides various courses empowering women and girls for self-reliance, family support, and career pursuits. ©UNFPA ASRO/Somaya Samawi
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Through graphic design training, young women are empowered with a fulfilling career path, bolstering their resilience in the face of economic and humanitarian challenges. ©UNFPA ASRO/Somaya Samawi
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Women and girls actively participate in a workshop to enhance their literacy skills to unlock a brighter future and grasp opportunities. ©UNFPA ASRO/Somaya Samawi
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Women design and make garments during a three-month sewing workshop, enabling them to seek employment or start businesses for economic empowerment. ©UNFPA ASRO/Somaya Samawi
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Women proudly showcase their handmade dresses, crafted after completing a three-month sewing workshop at the UNFPA-supported safe space in Sana'a. ©UNFPA ASRO/Somaya Samawi
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Women learn crocheting skills to improve their economic prospects, allowing them to find employment and financially support their families. ©UNFPA ASRO/Somaya Samawi
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Randa dreams big, aspiring to use her acquired midwifery skills to educate all women, empowering them to navigate childbirth safely and confidently. ©UNFPA ASRO/Somaya Samawi
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Despite the anguish she endured, Randa, a survivor of obstetric fistula, embarks on a new chapter in her life, dedicating herself to raising her daughter and empowering other women. ©UNFPA ASRO/Somaya Samawi
Note: The photographs presented here were captured in September 2023.
Stories of change, life and love
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Unlocking the power within
Lebanon’s Amina and Syria’s Samah bravely confronted domestic violence, unlocking their inner potential. Fathia in Djibouti and Dr. Shuceyb in Somalia fiercely advocate for the eradication of female genital mutilation. Inspired by the notion of positive masculinity, Palestine’s Abdel Salam stands against child marriage. Discover the remarkable stories of champions who combat gender-based violence through their transformative journeys, inspiring change and empowering communities.
Read more -
Lessons in life and love
In Jordan, Sudan and Yemen, three remarkable women – Aisha, Nesma and Randa – narrate their journeys from despair to empowerment. Their stories are powerful testaments to the life-saving potential of accessible sexual and reproductive health information and services, and the crucial role of these services in shaping a brighter future for families and communities.
Read more -
Foundations for the future
In Egypt, Rabaa, has embraced her role as reproductive health trainer. She now empowers her peers with the knowledge needed to grasp their rights, prioritize their health and well-being, and to themselves become unwavering advocates for health and dignity.
Read more
Three Decades of Struggles and Achievements... The Journey Continues
Three decades ago, governments adopted the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action, which emphasized that sustainable development would require prioritizing human rights, women’s empowerment, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. This set the path forward, inspiring investments in women and girls, and leading to cascading benefits for individuals and societies.
However, progress has been uneven, and multifaceted crises, including climate emergencies, and polarization around sexual and reproductive health and rights threaten to reverse the advances made.
The Arab States region faces some of the world’s most severe conflicts and humanitarian disasters. The past year has been particularly challenging, with ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Gaza, leaving health systems targeted and overwhelmed. Millions have been displaced across the region. Climate-related disasters have exacerbated conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Libya. Economic challenges, such as high unemployment and poverty rates, further compound these issues. Women, girls and youth have been disproportionately affected, with their ability to make sexual and reproductive choices hindered by entrenched gender discrimination and intersecting forms of discrimination.
To address these challenges, a fundamental shift in humanitarian and development actions is needed, starting with understanding women's daily experiences and needs. UNFPA is calling for leaders everywhere to prioritize women’s right to dignity, safety and well-being in all contexts. We urge everyone to join us in spreading the word that ensuring women's sexual and reproductive health and rights is the nonnegotiable starting point to creating a more sustainable future for all.