As war, displacement and economic hardship continue to ravage the Gaza Strip, many women have taken on physically demanding new roles and learned new trades to ensure their families' survival.
In a displacement camp, west of Gaza City, groups of women spend long hours beside makeshift ovens under tents, baking bread for other families for a small wage.
"I had to work in baking to help my children and my husband because we have no income. I never imagined I would work by a fire like this. It is exhausting. Yesterday, my blood pressure dropped [because of the smoke]," said Yusra Shamali, a displaced Palestinian.
The heat and smoke take a physical toll, but with few job opportunities, the women here have little choice.
"I work here by the oven because of our difficult financial situation. I am educated and have a degree. I had hoped to work in my field, but circumstances did not allow it because of this terrible war. What we are living through feels like a nightmare, worse than anything we have experienced," said Shaimaa Al-Fayoumi, another displaced Palestinian.
Beyond emergency income from manual labor, some women are trying to reestablish financial independence by learning new skills. At this sewing workshop established by the Palestinian Women's Union, these women are learning cutting, sewing and fashion design, hoping to turn new skills into a source of income.
"The war destroyed our equipment, work tools and everything else. But I managed to rise above this tragedy and renewed my hope in my project. I do embroidery at home, and I came here to train and improve my skills so I can improve my standard of living," said Amani Shabir, a displaced Palestinian.
Trainers at the sewing workshop said demand for practical skills has risen as education and employment pathways are disrupted, even as shortages and soaring prices make training difficult.
"The women here have faced many difficulties, including the lack of raw materials and high prices. Some wanted to continue their university education but faced many obstacles, so they turned to learning this because it gives them skills that can help them and their families amid Gaza's difficult economic conditions," Ilham Al-Jojo, a trainer with the Palestinian Women's Union.
From baking bread to learning to sew, these Palestinian women are finding new ways to earn an income and support their families amid the ravages of war.
Thousands of women in Gaza take on new roles to support their families
