RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza- Throughout history, women in the Gaza Strip have struggled for their rights and to play a leading role in all facets of life, including politics, economy and decision-making positions; however, Israel’s war on the enclave has turned their gains down. They are crushed by heavy burden while their struggle for their rights stays in the background.

‘The war undermined all efforts’

“Life before the war was easy and simple,” said Baidaa Muammar, Secretary of the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate’s Administrative Council. “However, the war has forced women to carry heavy burdens such as cooking, waiting in lines to get water and food, looking for a place to receive humanitarian aid and educating their children. All these burdens cause Palestinian women to feel exhausted both physically and mentally, making it nearly impossible for them to focus on their leading roles.”

Baidaa Muammar thinks that the burden carried by working women and mothers has become even heavier since the start of the war. “They work to earn a living for their families and then they have to do daily chores, just like other women in society. At the end of day, they have no energy to think about their leading roles in society.”

The Palestinian Family Protection Law, a comprehensive law criminalising violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking, was submitted for ratification in November 2020 after long-year struggle of women. “Then, the war started, and undermined all efforts,” Baidaa Muammar told NuJINHA.

Since the start of Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, Palestinian women have been subjected to physical, psychological, and political violence. They have been killed and arrested and they have suffered from psychological distress due to the lack of security.

“Before the war, women struggled to participate in decision-making positions. They dreamed of becoming ministers and having seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council. They advocated for a 50% gender quota. However, the war has destroyed their dreams, causing them to bear heavy burdens.”

‘Women need protection’

Palestinian women do not feel safe anymore, Baidaa Muammar said. “They need protection, first from the airstrikes and ground operations launched by Israeli forces, and then from gender-based violence. We can say that Palestinian women can achieve important roles in society; however, the roles they dream of do not match the reality they live in.”

Baidaa Muammar also commented on the situation of young women in the enclave. “The war has deprived them of education, forcing them into marriage. Many girls stay in their homes and tents in fear. They look for food or a job to support their family. The struggle of Palestinian women for their rights and against the patriarchal system stays in the background due to Israel’s attacks and blockage that force them to struggle to survive.”