In this interview, Aliaa Awada, Managing Director of “No2ta – The Feminist Lab”, shares the organization’s response to the crisis in Lebanon as well as its impact on women and girls.
Activism in Times of Crisis
“Our crisis intervention began during the October 7 war on Gaza,” says Awada. “With the displacement of thousands, our work focused on amplifying the voices of women and girls, both in Gaza and South Lebanon, where the effects of the war were deeply felt.”
From the beginning, “No2ta” centered its advocacy efforts around supporting women’s roles and struggles in conflict zones. The group’s primary mission is to create a platform for women to express themselves freely and without censorship—an essential aspect of their feminist agenda.
However, when the violence escalated in South Lebanon in September 2024, Awada acknowledged that their usual advocacy was no longer enough. “We shifted to a more practical and hands-on approach,” she says. Despite not specializing in emergency intervention, “No2ta” quickly mobilized, distributing 1,000 hygiene kits across three key regions in Lebanon.
One key feature of these hygiene kits was the inclusion of menstrual products, which are often overlooked in traditional aid packages. “Menstrual health and needs are frequently neglected in first-response aid,” Awada points out. “We wanted to ensure that these essential items were available to women and girls, who are often forgotten in emergency efforts. The goal was to keep a feminist approach in our relief work”
A Growing Crisis
The recent war in Lebanon has led to the largest mass displacement in the country’s history, putting tremendous pressure on internally displaced persons. “Many families, especially women, have found themselves suddenly uprooted, leaving everything behind,” Awada explains. “The situation is fragile, and it goes beyond the daily danger of living in areas under bombardments.”
The crisis is especially hard on women, as many displaced families now find themselves with a woman at the head of the household. This shift, combined with the lack of proper facilities in displacement centers, has made life even more difficult for women. “The spaces provided are often overcrowded, lacking privacy, and not equipped to meet women’s basic needs,” Awada notes.
Additionally, Awada emphasizes women are usually at a heightened risk of violence in terms of conflict. With displaced families struggling to find safety, the risk of violence against women and girls grows, leaving them even more vulnerable, making the organization’s advocacy efforts essential for awareness.
The Future: A Vision for Change
Despite the increasingly challenging circumstances, “No2ta” remains committed to creating a safer, more inclusive future for women in the region. “Our work goes beyond addressing immediate needs; we are also gathering data, conducting research, and analyzing the long-term impact of this crisis on women,” says Awada. “Our goal is to empower women to speak out, lead, and shape their own future in this region.”
At a time of uncertainty, “No2ta” is proving that feminist activism is not only about advocacy and relief—it’s about providing tangible support and creating a platform for women to lead the way forward.
Tala Nassif
Tala Nassif holds a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut and an MSc in Development Studies – Labour, Activism, and Global Commodity Chains – from SOAS University of London. Specialized in international development and economic empowerment, Tala currently serves as a Senior Research Assistant at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at AUB.