Social Risks Facing Women in Liberated Areas – A Field Study

Abstract

The current research aimed to identify the main social risks facing women in liberated areas by providing a comprehensive and accurate picture of the social, psychological, health, and educational reality of women in these areas. The study used a descriptive analytical approach. To collect the necessary data, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to a study sample of 380 women from Baghdad, Anbar, and Salah al-Din. The results of the study showed that women in liberated areas had been exposed to a wide range of risks prior to displacement, ranging from direct violence to material losses and threats. Forced displacement was the most prominent and widespread risk, confirming the devastating impact of the conflict on the stability of women's lives. They face significant health challenges resulting from a shortage of cleaning materials, shared use of facilities, and the lack of adequate vaccinations and medical care. Women also suffer from a wide range of psychological effects, most notably anger and stress, sleep disturbances, nightmares, fear and mistrust of others, and depression.  Based on the previous findings, the study produced a set of recommendations to improve the situation of women in liberated areas and address the social risks they face. The research recommended the provision of urgent psychosocial support, the promotion of sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment, the provision of medical personnel, supplies, essential medicines, and vaccines, the rehabilitation of destroyed schools, the establishment of new schools in remote areas, the development of reconstruction plans for affected areas, and the provision of stable housing solutions for those affected