In the words of Mona Abou Zeid: “I will stay, I will endure, and I will fulfil my duties completely”

On a hill between Kfar-Rumman, Nabatiyeh and Habboush, in southern Lebanon, the Al-Najda Al Chaabiya Hospital has become a lifeline for many. Mona Abou Zeid, 57, has served as its Director since 2019. In that time, she has worked tirelessly to uphold her commitment to resilience in the face of numerous challenges, which stem from both the ongoing conflicts in the region and the prevailing social norms of a male-dominated society. With her only daughter studying in Beirut and her family displaced to the north, she chose to remain at the hospital after the conflict erupted, prioritizing its urgent needs over her own: "I will stay, I will endure, and I will fulfill my duties completely."

“The last 60 days (23 September-27 November 2024) have presented unprecedented challenges, marked by intense bombardment and the use of devastating weapons, such as phosphorus, causing havoc for both civilians and infrastructure. After observing the catastrophic destruction in Gaza, we initiated emergency plans in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Our warehouses were stocked with medical supplies, medicines and surgical equipment.

The hospital took proactive measures, training its staff on the dangers posed by new and internationally banned weaponry and preparing for further escalations. We were encircled by a ring of fire. Shells landed perilously close, forcing the hospital to transform into a field hospital. We collaborated with Red Cross paramedics and civil defense teams and other organizations, working together in a spirit of cooperation and respect to provide care for the injured.

As the conflict raged on, I had to make the difficult decision to halt non-emergency treatments to prioritize the needs of those affected by the violence. However, despite our efforts, fatigue took a toll on the team, leading to the departure of crucial medical specialists.

During this intense period, the smell of gunpowder and phosphorus lingered not just in the air, but also on the injured who came to the hospital. The situation around us was tragic. It felt as if we were in an unending firestorm. Bombardment occurred just meteres away, damaging the hospital’s ceilings and windows and inducing panic among those present. I remained at the hospital without family or relatives.

In addition to treating the injured, we housed women, children and the elderly whose families had perished, leaving them without shelter. However, the most significant challenge we faced was securing fuel to ensure continuous energy in the hospital amid the absence of governmental support. I would like to express my gratitude for the assistance we received, particularly from the International Red Cross, which provided vital fuel supplies. Without their cooperation, we would have had to close our doors, an outcome we refused to accept, despite the numerous crises we have faced.

The images of war linger vividly in my mind, especially the heartbreaking losses of families caught in the crossfire. These harsh conditions have severely impacted our psychological well-being, which has prompted us to prioritize mental health support in our future planning.

In a society where women are frequently undervalued, I am dedicated to creating an environment that champions empowerment and collaboration. At our hospital, female staff make up 75 per cent of our workforce. Our policies not only foster women’s professional growth but also cultivate a new generation of responsible men who actively support and promote women’s development within society.

Our emphasis on women’s roles transcends gender and is about cultivating a supportive culture that fosters growth and responsibility. This approach directly challenges the prevailing male-dominated perceptions in our society, where women are often wrongly deemed incapable of managing hospitals, businesses or holding high-ranking positions. We initiated this vision through cooperative protocols and training sessions aimed at empowering our female workforce. Moving forward, I am excited to explore collaborative opportunities with organizations like UN Women to promote these values even further.

Ultimately, I aspire for a future where we reach a community free from violence, where we work together in love and cooperation. This is a call to action for society, echoing our shared desire for healing and unity in the face of adversity.”