Temporary shelters have been established in Beirut to aid African female workers displaced by the ongoing Israeli aggression in Lebanon, which began intensifying on September 23, 2023. These women, primarily from Sierra Leone, have lost their jobs and found themselves in dire situations, with many forced to seek refuge due to the escalating violence.
Lebanese aid worker Lea Ghrayeb has taken the initiative to provide shelter and assistance to these women, currently housing 172 women and three infants in a rented facility. The aid includes in-kind and cash donations, aimed at facilitating the return of these women to their home country.
The stories of the affected women highlight their longing for safety and family, with many expressing a desire to return to Sierra Leone as conditions in Lebanon deteriorate. They report not only the loss of employment but also the inability to communicate with their families back home due to the ongoing conflict.