RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza - Launching awareness-raising campaigns against gender-based violence in patriarchal societies is necessary. AISHA Association for Woman and Child Protection supports women victims of violence by launching campaigns. Haneen Muhanna, project coordinator at AISHA Association, spoke to NuJINHA about their activities and campaigns against gender-based violence. Stating that the association has developed mechanisms to raise awareness about violence against women and to protect and support the victims, Haneen Muhanna said that they provide support to women of all ages and children.

“We keep working”

Speaking about the foundation of the association, she said, “The association was founded in 2009 as an independent Palestinian women organization working to achieve gender integration through economic empowerment and psychosocial support to marginalized groups in the Gaza Strip. In 2021, we launched a campaign to protect and support women victims of violence. The campaign will last until December 2023. As part of the campaign, we carried out a series of activities such as educating a group of young university students about violence, its dangers and its impact on society. In addition, we have strengthened our contacts with the police stations and centers that provide shelter for children with support of the Ministry of Social Development.”

Don’t talk to someone you don’t know

Stating that they use social media platforms to raise awareness about gender-based violence, Haneen Muhanna said, “We share our social messages against gender-based violence on social media platforms. In order to avoid online violence, women and children should not talk to someone they don’t know. We also launch online campaigns against online harassment and blackmailing. When women face online harassment and blackmailing, they shouldn’t be afraid and be alert against such threats.”

Legal, psychological and social support

Stating that the association also focuses on the concept of sexual and sexual health in order to raise awareness about the problems faced by women, Haneen Muhanna said, “The members of the association have prepared various video about online blackmail to be shared on social media. They have also participated in radio programs to give information about our campaigns and how women can protect them from violence. Women victims of violence apply to our association to receive support. We get in touch with women victims of violence via Gmail and mobile phones. Our association also provides legal, psychological and social support to victims of violence.”