RAFEEF ASLIM

Gaza- Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a war in the Gaza Strip, targeting civilians, including women and children. At least half of Gaza's buildings have been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s attacks. No food, water, shelter or medication has been allowed into the Gaza Strip since the Israeli army resumed its attacks on March 18, 2025.

Women and girls in Gaza struggle to survive amid the war and destruction. Sumaya Al-Sharif, a 17-year-old girl, is one of them; she buys products from Al-Sahaba Market in Gaza City and travels to Northern Gaza’s Jabalia camp on a cycle every day to sell them.

Since she lost two of her brothers, she has become the only breadwinner of her family.

Sumaya Al-Sharif has loved cycling since her childhood although she has experienced several bicycle accidents. Once she broke her hand while learning how to hold handlebars. When she grew up, she was not allowed to ride a bicycle due to traditions in society, which prevented girls from using bicycles as a means of transportation.

However, when the war broke out in the Gaza Strip, her family allowed her to ride a bicycle due to lack of transportation. Cycling is not a lifestyle for her but an occupation to earn a living for her family.

Sumaya Al-Sharif pedals three hours every day to earn a livelihood for her family.

“Sometimes, people congratulate me for carrying the load and this makes me happy,” she told NuJINHA.

Struggling to survive with her family, Sumaya Al-Sharif is worried about something bad happening to her bicycle because of high bike repair prices. “Sometimes, my bike tires need to be inflated due to stones and glass. I sometimes have to leave my bike for several days to collect money for its repair.

Sumaya Al-Sharif wants to start a small grocery store to sell a variety of goods, such as coffee and some homemade sweets made by her mother and other supplies such as rice, lentils, sugar and candies for children. “I have to secure my family's income and future,” said Sumaya, whose dream is to complete her education, like other girls in Gaza.