The escalation of conflict in Lebanon has unleashed widespread fear and a mental health crisis. This has triggered a massive displacement crisis, with women and girls bearing the heaviest toll.
Mental health crisis uproots over 620,000 women as shelters run to capacity
UN Women estimates that one-quarter of all women and girls across the country have been displaced since 2 March.
Since the violence erupted, an average of 16,750 women and girls have fled their homes each day due to relentless bombardment and evacuation orders. Those from South Lebanon face the most severe impact.
Additionally, many now live in informal arrangements and overcrowded shelters. Some are still caring for children and the elderly.
Faten, 42, fled Tyre to Barja. She arrived exhausted and overwhelmed. She is one of more than an estimated 620,000 women and girls forced from their homes.
Faten lost her husband and fled with her three children. She now depends on support from the Bishop Maroun Al Ammar Primary Healthcare Center in Barja, Chouf.
The centre has become a vital hub for displaced families seeking medical care and psychosocial support. Nearly 70 per cent of those seeking care are women, many of whom now serve as the sole caregivers and breadwinners for their families.
Social worker on front lines: “They are disoriented and emotionally exhausted”
Faten’s main source of support is Fatima Al Shamma, 28, a social worker on the front lines of Lebanon’s humanitarian response. Each day, Fatima aids women who have lost homes, loved ones, and any sense of stability.
Many have endured multiple displacements and now live without access to basic necessities. Fatima prioritises listening to each woman to truly understand her needs before offering guidance.
“At first, most women hesitate. But gradually, they begin to speak. And when they do, you realise how much they have been holding inside, how disoriented and emotionally exhausted they are.” Fatima explained.
Meanwhile, displacement and conflict deepen existing gender inequalities. This is especially problematic because it increases caregiving responsibilities for women and girls already suffering extreme psychological distress.
The Lebanese government has established 677 collective shelters across Lebanon, but all except 11 are at capacity. Severe overcrowding leaves little room for privacy for women and girls, further fuelling the hidden mental health crisis.
In another development, Lady Gaga’s foundation donated $100,000 to COR, a non-profit empowering young people. The foundation’s donation will boost mental health services for young people in Atlanta.