RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza- The attacks of Israel on the Gaza Strip have entered their 11th months, killing and injuring thousands of Palestinians. As the negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal continue, women are excluded from the negotiations although the majority of the victims of the war are women and children. Before the war of Israel against the Gaza Strip, women’s political participation started to improve; however, it is deteriorating due to the current situation, said Suhair Khader, President of the Union of Palestinian Women's Committees.

‘Only two women have participated in the negotiations’

Palestinian women resist on the frontline, she said. “Palestine has many female heroes in history such as Shadia Abu Ghazaleh and Laila Khaled and they are role models for us. However, Palestinian women fail to demand their rights. Only two women (Hanan Ashrawi and Zahira Kamal) have participated in the ceasefire negotiations although the majority of the victims of the war are women and children. Crimes against humanity have been committed in the Gaza Strip; however, civilians are underrepresented in the negotiations.”

‘Palestinian women are underrepresented in decision-making positions’

Women are excluded from the negotiations, Suhair Khader said, adding, “Women are underrepresented in decision-making positions due to the patriarchal system controlling society. Women’s movements and organizations should take a strong stance to increase women’s participation in politics, decision-making positions and negotiations.”

The last elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) were held on 25 January 2006. “For 18 years, Palestine has held no elections for the council, preventing women’s political participation,” Suhair Khader said. “Feminist unions, organizations and Palestinian women should make great efforts to achieve the right to be represented in politics.”

‘Israel kills women through war’

Mentioning the importance of awareness-raising activities to change the patriarchal mindset in Palestinian society, Suhair Khader said, “Women should be educated to achieve their economic independence and political rights. Human rights organizations should take immediate action for the effective implementation of UN Resolution 1325. Israel keeps oppressing Palestinian women everywhere, including in the West Bank and Jerusalem by violating human rights. Israel kills women through war.”

‘Women do not leave their homeland’

Despite all the massacres conducted by Israel in the Gaza Strip, “Women do not leave their homeland,” she said. “They keep struggling to survive.”