Today marks the commemoration of International Women's Day, a time to celebrate the political, economic and social achievements of women around the world. It is a time to recognize women's struggle to achieve equality, their active participation in social and economic development and their contribution toward international peace and security. The efforts of Palestinian women in achieving these goals for themselves and the global community have contributed greatly, in their own way, to the progress of women's empowerment.
In the midst of war, dispossession and occupation in Palestine over the past fifty-seven years, Palestinian women suffered, struggled and overcame great difficulties in their lives. As a result of the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine, women's security has been compromised, their health and families have been threatened, their ability to function in a daily routine is constantly maneuvering through obstacles and their economic stability is undermined. Hundreds of women attempt to cross checkpoints daily in traveling to and from work; they are denied access to ambulances or medical services; and many have been seriously injured or killed as a result of cross-fire between armed men, demolitions of homes and "collateral damage" by Israeli extra-judicial assassinations of Palestinian leaders in the middle of civilian areas.
However, the conflict also created a situation in which women were able to break through traditional gender-defined roles and given the opportunity to take on more responsibility and participate in more diverse ways in the national struggle for Palestinian statehood. Palestinian women became active in the peace-making process through protests, demonstrations and political activism. They head their households, sit in governmental positions, participate in and run grassroots organizations and work in businesses to support their families.
Palestinian women in the Occupied Territories have much greater opportunities than women in other parts of the Arab world to participate in the labor force, vote and hold political office and play visible, active roles in civil society. But the realities and effects of dispossession and occupation counterbalance many of these social gains. The conflict has taken a heavy toll and caused serious negative impacts on the physical and psychological health, education, economic security and access to basic services and rights of Palestinian women.
In spite of this trouble, the ordinary women of this country exemplify the strength and capability that women possess to survive and function. They continue to support each other, their families and their neighbors by actively working for peace within their communities—politically, economically and socially. Palestinian women encompass and manifest all the characteristics and actions that International Women's Day celebrates.
International Women's Day began at the turn of the twentieth century to acknowledge women's role in history and their centuries-old struggle to equally participate in a society dominated by men, whether it is the developed or developing world. While much progress has been made over the past century in terms of women's rights, true equality and respect lies in the distance, appealing to both men and women to take a firm stance and actively promote the plight of women around the world. On this day, it is time to reflect on what has been achieved, celebrate acts of courage and determination of women who play vital roles in women's rights and call for further change toward equal participation.
