Every year, February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This year, the world celebrated the day for the ninth consecutive year. The event, established by the UN General Assembly in 2015, serves as a reminder of the vital role women and girls play in the fields of science and technology. It’s time to recognize their priceless achievements, advocate for their unhindered participation in STEM fields, and eliminate any remaining barriers blocking women from reaching their full potential.
As the day is celebrated worldwide, the loss of numerous women in science from Gaza raises questions about its significance. These deaths serve as a reminder of how communities can be left behind amidst constant conflict and loss. In war, we not only lose individuals but also the wisdom and potential they possess.
Ms. Ghada Abu Haya
Ghada held a Master’s degree in Science Teaching Methods and Curriculum from the Islamic University, hoping it would illuminate the lives of many. The cruelty of the Israeli barbouress’s actions cost her her hopes and her life.
Israel missiles invaded the treasured corners of her life. Ghada and her family left on October 11th, 2023, leaving a lasting impact of goodness forever. One of her students wrote, “Dear teacher Ghada, she has been my teacher since seventh grade; she is one of the finest science and biology teachers in my life.”
Bisan Halasa
An outstanding doctor who desired efficiency in all aspects of life, she had an immense love for reading books. Wherever she went, she carried pages filled with countless stories, sitting and savoring those enchanting words.
During times of stress, she would experiment with cooking new cuisines. Her aspiration in life was simple: to own a small house in a peaceful place surrounded by nature. Her love for animals, particularly horses and cats, would make her an excellent companion in the mountains.
She departed from this world without experiencing peace due to the Israeli occupation.
Sabreen Hossam Brika
Sabreen Hossam Brika, an ambitious and confident scientist made to achieve greatness, was killed during the airstrikes by Israel on October 23, 2023. Her friend, Rawan Atallah, said, “Sabreen was extremely ambitious, confident that she could achieve anything and excel in our field.”
“She worked hard and even took summer courses to enhance herself in everything. She was loved and close to everyone, quickly finding her way into the hearts of those around her,” said Rawan, whose uncle was killed just before she lost her dearest friend.
“Last time we met, she was consoling me about my uncle’s death. Who will console me over her death?” questioned Rawan. After meeting Rawan, Sabreen and her were to attend breakfast together in the cafe of her university in the coming day, but the university and its cafe were turned into shambles.
“Nothing is left—no university, no cafe, not even Sabreen,” Rawan sobbed. “I can’t believe I have to use ‘Rest in Peace’ after her name.”
Duaa Awad
Before the war started, Dr. Duaa Awad had completed her psychiatric specialization. She was left to work nonstop treating the injured in the agitated Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital during the fighting. She was well-known for her generosity, stunning beauty, and, above all, being a friendly person. Her passion for chocolates could never go unnoticed; at times, she would carry with her some chocolates, and sharing coffee with others in her vicinity was a delight to her.
Even though Duaa was devoted to her work, she would relish her alone time in peace and quiet. She wanted to be a famous psychiatrist.
Dr. Enas Youssef, a close friend of Duaa, spoke warmly of her kindness and the enduring influence she had on everyone she met. Enas died soon after Duaa. Once, Enas wrote for Duaa, “Dua, after you left, we used to wait for our shifts to end only to sit and continue our conversations on the bench you used to sit on.”
On October 26, 2023, Duaa lost her life in an Israeli bombing while she was traveling to see her family. Her loved ones were buried beneath the debris with her, and they weren’t found until the next morning, leaving people in mourning for the loss of a cherished person.
Nadia Al-Rees
An award-winning engineer, Nadia Al-Rees, aimed to be a part of many inventions, but the Israeli occupation failed her. While the Gaza Strip was blocked, halting her work, she managed to invent an electric ladder for people with mobility disabilities, which got her a prize. However, she couldn’t continue her work and worked as a teacher in a nursery, later becoming the nursery director.
She took great care of the kids in her care and used social media to warn parents about possible risks. Nadia stayed resolute in her devotion to her native country even though there were chances for her to leave Gaza, such as moving in with her American citizen father.
On October 25, 2023, Nadia and her husband’s family escaped to the southern Gaza Strip but were bombed as soon as they reached the south. The airstrike killed nine others along with her.
Engineer Rola Fadl Abdul Jawad
Brave and fierce, Engineer Rola Fadl Abdul Jawad, whose vivacious personality enriched her work as a multimedia consultant and university instructor, was one on whom Gaza’s future relied.
With a dazzling grin and eyes full of life, Rola radiated vitality and fire. She pursued her dreams with unrelenting persistence, frequently repeating the phrase, ‘One day you will get what you want.’ Her natural drive fueled her unquenchable ambition and pushed her toward achievement.
Rola was an elegant person who enjoyed the small things in life, such as going shopping and painting her nails brightly. She longed to travel outside of Gaza, but the devastation caused by war overwhelmed her with feelings of dread, grief, and rage, which she expressed in her moving farewell statement, ‘Those who survived are the ones who died.’
She and her sister were tragically killed by Israeli occupation missiles on Monday, November 25, 2023, as martyrs for a cause they both deeply believed in. Her goals turned into shambles.
