Militarization and Violence against Women in Conflict Zones in the Middle East

The wars and armed conflicts in many regions of the world and especially in the Middle East have an eloquent impact on all life's happenings most especially in areas affected. Wars destroys community infrastructure such as health, education and other social services sectors. As of present, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East had left a significant impact on the family and the individual in the areas affected. In the family, it has lead to disintegration and roles change. It is also lead to forced migration and asylum. At the individual level, it have impacted negatively in terms of psychology, social and physical wellbeing. Women and children are the most affected by traumatic events of war and they are the most vulnerable to all types of exploitation and abuse. The devastating effects of war on this vulnerable group can hardly be overemphasized. This paper discusses the problems faced by children and women in war and conflict zones. It also explores physical, mental health, social and educational crisis experienced by women and children in the Middle Eastern society. A society that is known to have witnessed many civil wars and armed conflicts. In addition, the study also discusses social and health services which must be provided to women and children in conflict affected area from the social work perspective.

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Cancer Registration in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey: Scope and Challenges

JCO Global Oncology ◽

10.1200/go.21.00065 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1101-1109

Author(s):

Zahi Abdul-Sater ◽

Ali Shamseddine ◽

Ali Taher ◽

Fouad Fouad ◽

Ghassan Abu-Sitta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Middle East ◽

Cancer Registry ◽

North Africa ◽

Online Survey ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Cancer Control ◽

Population Based ◽

Cancer Registration ◽

Middle Income ◽

Conflict Zones

PURPOSE National cancer control strategies have been identified as essential tools for reducing and managing the growing burden of cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Cancer registration is an instrumental component of any cancer control strategy, providing the data to inform effective cancer policy. In the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region, cancer registration varies immensely and faces multifaceted challenges including protracted conflict. This study investigates and maps out the present capacities and outputs of cancer registration in the MENAT region and identifies thematic barriers facing implementation and utilization of cancer registry data. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used a self-administered online survey with open and close-ended questions targeting national and institutional cancer registry managers in the MENAT countries. RESULTS Registry managers from 19 MENAT countries reported the presence of 97 population-based, 48 hospital-based, and 24 pathology-based registries. Most population-based registries were well- or partially developed. Lack of accurate death records, complete medical records, and communication between stakeholders and deficiencies in trained personnel were critical challenges that were more severe in active conflict zones and neighboring conflict-affected regions. Cancer registration challenges included weak health infrastructure, absence of legislation mandating cancer registration, and disruption of cancer registration because of active conflict and loss of funding. Refugee host countries, such as Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan, also reported conflict-related challenges including refugee mobility and lack of accurate data on forced migrants. CONCLUSION This study provides a much-needed understanding of the current landscape and contextual challenges affecting cancer registration in the MENAT. These data are important for identifying areas on which to focus regional capacity-strengthening initiatives.

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Anthropological Perspectives on Two Documentary Films on Women in the Middle East

Anthropology of the Middle East ◽

10.3167/ame.2019.140109 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 142-150

Author(s):

Esther Hertzog

Keyword(s):

Middle East ◽

Civil Rights ◽

Violence Against Women ◽

Fundamental Rights ◽

Economic Conditions ◽

Documentary Films ◽

Jewish Women ◽

Male Violence ◽

Common Features ◽

Honor Killing

In this essay, I refer to two documentaries demonstrating some common features of male violence against women in the Jewish and Palestinian societies in Israel. Abeer Zaibak Haddad’s film about ‘honor killing’ illustrates the profound threat on girls’ and women’s physical safety. Yael Katzir’s film is about Jewish women’s struggle for religious rights. It is argued that being subjugated to patriarchal control, both Arab and Jewish women are denied fundamental rights. This understanding implies that, despite basic differences in socio-economic conditions and civil rights, women’s oppression is present in cultures that are perceived as ‘modern’ and ‘advanced’ just like in those that are perceived as the opposite. Both films point to the failure of the state to ensure women’s rights and safety and to women’s compliance to men’s oppression.

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