In the Words of Rajia Al Bitar: “What drives me to act is responsibility, humanity, and the belief that what unites us is one country.”

Rajia Al Bitar is one of more than 500 women peacebuilders across Lebanon supported by UN Women. A social and nursing specialist, certified mediator from Saint Joseph University of Beirut, and director of the Rahbeh Development Services Center for Primary Healthcare – affiliated with the Ministries of Social Affairs and Public Health, she has spent more than three decades serving her community in Bezbina, Akkar. When the crisis escalated, she once again found herself on the frontlines of response. 

^{Rajia Al Bitar, one of more than 500 women peacebuilders supported by UN Women across Lebanon, stands at the forefront of crisis response in Akkar, leading efforts to support displaced families with dignity, care, and solidarity. Photo: International Alert Lebanon}

“I became directly responsible for two displacement shelters in Rahbeh,” she says. The shelters host 109 people, around 70% of them women and girls. A figure unchanged since the ceasefire.

 “Compared to 2024 {conflict}, the response felt faster and more organized, thanks to clear role division and coordination led by the Ministry of Social Affairs,” she explains. “My role went far beyond providing resources – it meant being present every day, supporting families, and helping preserve their dignity. Her team provided food, hygiene kits, personal items, and heating supplies, along with regular medical checkups – including specialized care for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. With local organizations, they continuously monitored evolving needs, including recreational activities. 

Holding communities together

In the early days, uncertainty shaped everything. “There was confusion and instability” Rajia says. “But solidarity remained.” What stayed with her were small but powerful moments: a child’s smile after receiving something simple, a woman laughing despite exhaustion or the prayers of an elderly woman. “These moments turn fear into strength,” she reflects.

Her routine was grounded in constant presence. “I visited each shelter at least once a day, often more” she explains. “I followed up with the team, assessed conditions, and ensured the availability of essential support – food, hygiene kits, and other basic items.”

Yet the reality was not without hardship. “There were children carrying more than they should. People waiting anxiously for news,” she says. Still, she witnessed generosity: “host communities welcomed displaced families. That matters.”

^{In collective shelters across Akkar, women leaders like Rajia Al Bitar continue to create spaces of support, dialogue, and protection for displaced women and families amid ongoing uncertainty. Photo: International Alert Lebanon}

Responding in real time

Displacement inevitably brought tensions – longing for home, routine and normalcy. Drawing lessons from the 2024 conflict, Rajia remained constantly present. “Sometimes mediation happens naturally. It comes from responsibility.”

Her days were shaped by urgent needs, “when a baby runs out of milk, when the cold arrives in Akkar and people lack warm clothes and shoes, when someone needs urgent medication or a breathing device – you act immediately.” She coordinated quickly with local actors and authorities. 

Driven by purpose

“What drives me is responsibility, humanity, and the belief that in Lebanon we are united as one country. The work was sometimes exhausting, but stopping was never an option.”

^{From coordinating assistance to supporting women and children in displacement shelters, Rajia Al Bitar reflects the vital role women peacebuilders play in holding communities together during times of crisis. Photo: International Alert Lebanon}

The role of women in crisis

In the shelters, women stepped into leadership roles: coordinating assistance, organizing activities for children, celebrating Mother’s Day and Eid, and creating moments of joy despite difficult circumstances. “These were their ideas, I supported and coordinated.”

 “Women have a unique awareness instinct, a nurturing perspective. They connect, manage resources, and notice what others might overlook.”

Her background in peacebuilding and mediation shaped her response. “I learned to listen deeply, not to judge, to prioritize, and stay organized. These skills helped me manage myself – and the crisis.”

She also credits her journey with UN Women. “It gave me knowledge, exposed me to other women’s experiences, and helped me better understand laws and frameworks. It strengthened me.”

Even after years of experience, each crisis leaves its mark. “Every crisis reshapes me. Today, I am more aware and more grounded than I was in 2024.”

 For Rajia, leadership is not a title – it is a duty.  “Leadership in times of crisis is a responsibility. It is awareness. It is the ability to manage on all levels.”

Her message to other women: “You are capable. You can do anything. You can make decisions. Do not wait for anyone.”

Holding on to hope 

Despite everything she has witnessed, Rajia remains hopeful. “I believe in Lebanon – a country with history and civilization. And I believe that the future will also be ours.”

1. Rahbeh Public School for Boys and Rahbeh Public School for Girls. Displaced individuals in these shelters originate primarily from Aitaroun, Seddiqin, Hariss, Qaaqaaiyet El Jisr, Deir Qanoun an-Naher, Nabatieh, Adloun, and Beirut’s southern suburbs.
2. On 2 March 2026, hostilities between Israel and Lebanon escalated. On 17 April 2026, a 10-day ceasefire came into effect, read more. On 24 April 2026, the United States announced that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire would be extended by three weeks following talks in Washington, read more.
3. 8 May 2026, 25 women have been reported killed and 109 reported injured over the past three weeks, despite a ceasefire agreement, read more.