Rachel explained that South Sudan has two judicial systems - the constitution and the customary traditional laws. As per tradition, 'men are perceived as the bread winners' and South Sudanese women are considered to be the minority gender. They have no access to resources or decision making, and no voice in leadership. As per the constitution all women in South Sudan have equal rights, but they are unable to exercise them due to poor implementation of the laws. For example, even though they have a legal right to own property, most often they are denied this right because of their gender. Also perpetrators of gender-based violence go unpunished.
It is indeed unfortunate that household and care work done by girls and women is unpaid, undervalued and under-recognised. Same goes for sexual and reproductive labour. If girls and women had equitable access to education, social support services, workforce participation and rights, then it could herald some hope. But as of now, harmful narratives and gender norms fuelled by deeply entrenched patriarchy are confronting gender equality, not only in Sudan, but in many other countries of Asia and Africa.
Warn-torn Lebanon
The situation in war-torn Lebanon is no better. The escalation of Israel's military operations has unleashed a profound and cascading humanitarian crises. More than 1 million people in Lebanon have fled their homes since September 2024. Israeli strikes have killed around 4000 people in Lebanon and thousands of buildings and houses have been destroyed. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have been bombed.
The conflict has exacerbated existing inequalities, leading to increased vulnerability and challenges in accessing basic needs and services. The cost of physical damages and economic losses due to the conflict in Lebanon is estimated at US$ 8.5 billion, according to a World Bank report. In terms of economic growth, the conflict is estimated to have cut Lebanon's GDP growth by an estimated 9% in 2024.
The vulnerable and marginalised groups - women and girls, gender diverse individuals, people living with HIV, people with disabilities, elderly and others have been the worst affected, shared Bertho Makso who works with the International Planned Parenthood Federation at its Arab World Regional Office in Lebanon and leads regional community engagement and networks. Bertho is also co-founder of Proud Lebanon, an organisation that provides support for the LGBTQI+ community.
Bertho is grateful to IPPF for supporting Proud Lebanon through the Lebanese Association For Family Health (SALAMA) to provide critical humanitarian support focusing on sexual and reproductive health and mental healthcare and outreach for the LGBTQI+ individuals and for people living with HIV. They have provided free medical services (including mental health services), specialised services and lifesaving antiretroviral therapy services to people living with HIV and hormonal therapy for transgenders in a dignified manner.
Extreme Climate events taking their toll
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