On International Workers’ Day, alarming reports reveal that women and their families are bearing the heaviest burden of a worsening economic crisis, as war and recession have left 1.2 million construction workers jobless.
This mass unemployment has plunged households into a cycle of poverty and homelessness, while simultaneous internet shutdowns have further crippled the livelihoods of people with disabilities, including women, who relied on digital employment to survive.
One million and 200,000 construction workers, who are deprived of unemployment insurance, have lost their jobs in the wake of war and economic recession, leaving their wives and children living in extreme poverty and hardship. The families of these workers, most of whom live in rented homes, are now facing homelessness and find themselves under the mounting pressure of eviction notices after nearly two months without any income.
In a report dated April 20, 2026, the Sharq daily wrote that these families are being “crushed” under the weight of poverty and financial ruin; workers who are themselves the builders of housing remain deprived of a shelter of their own. This comes as only half of these workers have access to pension insurance. The other half of these hardworking laborers have been on a waiting list for social security coverage for over five years but remain uninsured. (Sharq Daily – April 20, 2026)
Rising Unemployment Among People with Disabilities Following Internet Shutdowns
As the crisis escalates, prolonged internet shutdowns have also severely impacted the employment of people with disabilities, including women. These individuals, who previously relied on telecommuting for roles such as online support, digital marketing, graphic design, and website management, have lost their connection to employers and clients due to the connectivity blackouts and are now unemployed.
According to Sharq, this situation has exacerbated employment inequality, as individuals with disabilities have extremely limited alternative options. Consequently, the issue is not merely the loss of income, but the erosion of personal independence. The internet shutdowns have also led to increased isolation, deprivation of education, and even a rise in suicidal ideation among this community; for many, this situation does not just represent a slowdown of life, but its complete standstill. (Sharq Daily – April 20, 2026)
