Celebrating International Women's Day: Five Empowering Palestinian Women Worth Recognizing
In the rich tapestry of Palestinian history, a group of remarkable women have emerged as trailblazers, using their talents and voices to challenge the status quo and advocate for change. Here are some of the most influential figures who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields.
Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American, made history as the first woman of Palestinian descent to be elected to the United States Congress, representing a significant political milestone for Palestinians worldwide.
Rania Al-Abdullah, born to a Palestinian family in Kuwait, is the queen consort of Jordan and a prominent advocate for education, health, community empowerment, youth, and cross-cultural dialogue. Her activism and use of social media have raised awareness on various causes.
May Sayigh, a Palestinian woman poet, is referenced in feminist scholarship, representing the cultural and literary voice of Palestinian women. Her work is often cited in discussions on Palestinian feminism and women's roles in resistance.
Soraya Antonius, a feminist scholar, documented and highlighted the experiences and voices of Palestinian women, emphasizing their role in political and national struggles beyond gender issues.
Christine Sfeir, while primarily known in Lebanese business circles, is recognized as one of the top Arab women entrepreneurs and has contributed significantly to the food industry, expanding Lebanese cuisine internationally. Although not explicitly stated as Palestinian, her achievements suggest a potential connection or relevance in the broader Arab-Palestinian context.
Beyond these notable figures, other women have made significant contributions to Palestinian society. May Ziadeh, a Palestinian-Lebanese author and women's rights advocate, founded a literary salon and was a proficient translator. Zulaikha Shihabi, born in Jerusalem in 1903, was known for her campaigns in support of women's rights and against Zionism. She also organized political gatherings of women and created avenues for them to voice their concerns. Shihabi also founded the Dawha School and established shelters for orphans and women.
Fadwa Tuqan, a prominent Palestinian poet, was born in Nablus in 1917. Her work dealt with themes such as shock, resistance, and steadfastness, reflecting her experiences during significant events in Palestinian history, including the Nakba (Catastrophe) in 1948. Tuqan studied at Oxford between 1962 and 1964, becoming an advocate for women's issues and other human rights causes.
Karima Aboud, born in the mid-1890s, is remembered as one of the first female photographers in the Arab world. Her work continues to inspire young Palestinians, with the Aboud Photography Award at Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem encouraging aspiring photographers to follow in her footsteps.
It's worth noting that Palestinian women have faced obstacles such as gender-based prejudice and the Israeli occupation. Despite these challenges, they have demonstrated resilience and determination, as evidenced by their high literacy rate of 94% and their strong representation in STEM subjects.
One of the most significant figures in overcoming these obstacles was Hind al-Husseini, a Palestinian social activist. She established an orphanage for children who had lost their families during the 1948 massacre in Deir Yassin and later set up the Hind al-Hussein College for Women in 1982.
These women stand as testaments to the strength, resilience, and determination of Palestinian women throughout history. Their contributions have not only shaped their respective fields but also enriched Palestinian identity and culture.
In the Middle East, these influential figures have made significant strides, challenging the status quo and advocating for change: Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American who made history as the first woman of Palestinian descent in the United States Congress. Rania Al-Abdullah, Jordan's queen consort and a strong advocate for education and human rights. May Sayigh, a Palestinian woman poet, who lends her voice to feminist scholarship and Palestinian feminism. Soraya Antonius, a feminist scholar spotlighting the experiences and voices of Palestinian women in political and national struggles.
Christine Sfeir, a prominent figure in the Lebanese business realm, is recognized for her contributions to the food industry and expanding Lebanese cuisine internationally. Although not explicitly stated as Palestinian, her achievements may suggest a connection or relevance in the broader Arab-Palestinian context.
Beyond these notable figures, others have made significant contributions to Palestinian society, such as May Ziadeh, a Palestinian-Lebanese author advocating for women's rights and establishing a literary salon. Zulaikha Shihabi, a campaigner for women's rights and against Zionism, who also founded schools and shelters for orphans and women.
Palestinian women, despite facing gender-based prejudice and the Israeli occupation, have showcased resilience and determination, as evident in their high literacy rate of 94% and strong representation in STEM subjects like STEM education. They stand as testaments to the strength, resilience, and determination of Palestinian women throughout history, enriching Palestinian identity and culture.
