REFÎF ÎSLÎM

Gaza- Women are most affected by economic violence all around the world. Women and feminist organizations believe that one of the causes of violence against women is the economy and that violence against women will continue unless women’s economic empowerment is promoted and advanced. Organizations combating gender-based violence make statements and calls to end violence against women. Al Najd Development Forum (ADF) founded by Refka Hamalawi is one of these organizations. The forum strives to improve the quality of life of children, women, and families who are vulnerable to food insecurity and poverty in the Gaza Strip.

They have funded 85 projects

Refka Hamalawi is a feminist activist being a member of the women's coalitions and unions such as the CEDAW agreement. She told us that the ADF is a charity organization funding women’s projects such as chicken breeding and farming projects. Stating that their organization has funded 85 projects until now, Refka Hamalawi said that 70% of these projects are for women survivors of violence.

It provides psychological support to women

The ADF also provides psychological support to women survivors of violence. “After providing psychological support to women, we hold training for them to learn how they can start a project,” Refka Hamalawi told us.

Food boxes will be given to 300 poor families

Stating that they have used an app for women to report violence against them, Refka Hamalawi said that 12 psychologists work for the organization to support women. She also talked about the psychological support project that will last for three years. Speaking about their other projects, she said, “We will give food boxes to 300 poor families.”

Call on women’s organizations

Stating that they do their best to reach every woman, who needs support, Refka Hamalawi said, “If women ask for help, we should know very well that they have to ask for. I call on all women’s organizations to support women. Empowering women economically means raising their awareness. Violence against women can be reduced by promoting and advancing women’s economic empowerment.”