I grew up in a world where conflict was a constant companion. As a Palestinian woman, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of occupation, war, and systemic discrimination on my community. Yet, amidst the suffering, I have witnessed the incredible resilience and strength of Palestinian women.
We are often portrayed as victims, but we are so much more. We are survivors, activists, and leaders. We are the heart of our families and communities. We are the ones who hold our society together, even in the darkest of times.
One of the greatest challenges we face is gender-based violence. In a society already marred by conflict, women are often subjected to domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of abuse. The ongoing occupation exacerbates these issues, as checkpoints and curfews limit our mobility and increase our vulnerability.
The recurrent Israeli attacks, especially those targeting unarmed civilians, pose an existential threat to Palestinian women. The constant fear of death permeates our daily lives, as we witness daily violence ranging from arrests and home demolitions to direct attacks. I vividly recall a nightmarish experience during Eid al-Adha when my family and I were pelted with stones while returning home. That night, I felt an overwhelming fear for our lives and witnessed firsthand the brutality inflicted upon innocent civilians by settlers. Nor can I forget the long nights when we would wake up to the sound of Israeli forces raiding our home, forcing us to leave in the middle of the night and stand in the freezing cold, filled with fear and panic. These bitter experiences, shared by countless Palestinian women, underscore the immense suffering endured by women under occupation.
Palestinian women already face deep-rooted gender discrimination within their own society. Patriarchal attitudes limit their opportunities and confine them to traditional roles. I remember my mother telling me about being denied an education in her youth, despite her academic excellence, because of the prevailing belief that education was only for boys. Forced to leave school at the age of fourteen, she was expected to work in the fields with her father to support her brother who was studying in India. Meanwhile, she and her sisters were denied education.
I remember her stories about her female relatives in her village who were forced into early marriages, often as young as fourteen or fifteen, without their consent and sometimes through violence. Women were also denied their inheritance rights due to entrenched societal beliefs that men were the sole inheritors. Although the situation has improved in some areas, many women in marginalized communities continue to face these challenges. It is these stories that have motivated me to strive for equality and justice, to become a voice for women who have been deprived of their basic rights. Still, Palestinian women are remarkably resilient. We have organized grassroots movements, advocate for our rights, and participate in political and social activism. We break down barriers and shatter stereotypes. We prove that even in the most difficult of circumstances, the human spirit prevails.
Education is one of the most powerful tools we must empower ourselves. Despite the obstacles, many Palestinian women have pursued higher education and become leaders in their fields. From renowned academics like Hanan Ashrawi and Noura Erakat to courageous revolutionaries like Laila Khaled and Dalal Mughrabi, Palestinian women have inspired generations to dream big and strive for success. These women are role models for younger generations, inspiring them to dream big and strive for success.
However, there is much work to do. We must continue to raise awareness about gender-based violence and advocate for stronger legal protections. We must empower women through education and economic opportunities. And we must build a society where every woman can live with dignity and freedom.
I share my story to foster solidarity. Only together can we create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.
The image used in this blog was taken by hosny salah from Pixabay