The explosion that struck the city of Beirut on Aug. 4 left thousands of people in Lebanon vulnerable — but research shows that women are the ones bearing the brunt of the fallout of this devastating event.

According to a new study released on Wednesday and carried out by ABAAD, CARE International, ESCWA, UNFPA, and UN Women, women in female-headed and elderly households in Lebanon are left increasingly vulnerable by the explosion.

The study, entitled “Rapid Gender Analysis (RGA) of the August Beirut Port Explosion: An Intersectional Examination,” analyzed data collected from 49 responders and affected members of the community, along with surveys conducted by the Red Cross in more than 17,000 households.

It revealed that women in Lebanon were experiencing higher risks of gender-based violence while dealing with limited access to health services, identity and job loss, and growing feelings of frustration and anxiety. What’s more, many women reported needing first aid and humanitarian assistance but refrained from seeking it out of fears of harassment, abuse, and discrimination.

These findings lay bare the poverty and steep inequality that the COVID-19 pandemic had already entrenched before the explosion, CARE International in Lebanon Country Country Director Bujar Hoxha noted in the release.

Hoxha added that women coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, including women living with disabilities, refugees, migrant workers, and gender minorities, were particularly at risk of experiencing gender-based and sexual violence.

“In the absence of a strong government response, they are highly dependent on aid and in need of protection and support. It is of utmost importance that aid organizations continue to reach vulnerable people during these challenging times.”

Read the full article about women in Beirut by Sarah El Gharib at Global Citizen.