In Syrian refugee settlements in Lebanon, women have begun to be elected as camp leaders, defying established social standards. In conservative Syrian communities, women are typically expected to stay at home and delegate leadership to men.
The war-torn camps in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, home to 800,000 displaced Syrians, have redefined the public space women occupy and allowed norms to be questioned. Two of the ladies breaking the mould and functioning as role models for the girls in their camps, according to a BBC special report, are Hind Al-Hamad and Ashwaq Slieman Mohammed.
"Traditions force women to just stay home. But there's an internal voice which persuades on to become active members of the society. You need certain characteristics to do the job, such as a strong personality and the ability to convince people," says Al-Hamad. "Things are changing, because now I am responsible for the camp just like the men used to be. But I'm helping them more than a man would. I offer them everything they need," Mohammed was quoted by BBC.
"During conflict, during migration, you are operating outside of your social context, your social norms. So in these specific contexts it becomes easier to change and shift gender roles," says Dr Rouba Mhaissen, founder and director of Sawa For Development And Aid.
Al-Hamad adds, "Every woman is capable of becoming a leader. But it's the circumstances and environment that make her who she is. Circumstances can either form obstacles or push her forward. "