DaysofPal- The Palestinian Ministry of Labor revealed on Saturday that more than 57,000 women in the Gaza Strip have become the primary providers for their families, amid harsh humanitarian and living conditions caused by the ongoing Israeli genocidal war, its long-term effects, and the continuing Israeli blockade and restrictions on aid.
The figures were published in a report issued ahead of International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8.
According to the ministry, the economic situation in Gaza has deteriorated to an unprecedented level, with the enclave’s economy shrinking by 83% in 2024, while the unemployment rate has exceeded 80 %.
The report said these indicators reflect extremely difficult economic and social realities, in which women are bearing increasing responsibilities as heads of households.
It stressed the need for intensified national and international efforts to support family resilience and expand economic opportunities for women.
In the West Bank, the ministry reported a modest increase in female employment, where the number of working women rose to 150,100 in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with 144,800 in the third quarter, indicating that about 5,300 additional women entered the workforce despite economic challenges and uncertainty in the labor market.
Meanwhile, the number of unemployed women declined to 55,100, compared with 62,600 in the previous quarter, marking a 3.3 percentage-point drop in the unemployment rate. However, the ministry noted that this decline has not been accompanied by a significant improvement in job quality.
The report also highlighted ongoing structural challenges in the labor market. About 41.5 percent of workers are employed without written contracts, while more than 30 % rely on verbal agreements, reflecting the widespread nature of informal employment.
Social protection for working women remains limited. Only 47.2 percent of employed women receive paid maternity leave.
A gender wage gap also persists, with women earning an average daily wage of 118.1 shekels, compared with 141.2 shekels for men.
Among women living in refugee camps, the unemployment rate stands at 38.7 percent.
However, unemployment among young women aged 15 to 29 declined to 40.6 percent, compared with 45.6 percent in the third quarter of 2025, according to the ministry’s data.
The report concluded that the current conditions underscore the urgent need for stronger economic support and policies aimed at empowering women, particularly in areas heavily affected by conflict and economic instability.
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