On the 29th of November the members of the Holy Land Trust attended a women’s empowerment conference. This activity which is held yearly and which I have attended in the past was targeted for women in the Bethlehem area and was sponsored by Health Development Information and Polices (HDIP) program in Ramallah.
The event drew around 200 women who were provided inspiring messages on different topics including health awareness, media, lobbying and advocacy, and human rights and nonviolence. Although all the women were from the Bethlehem area the women came from a variety of backgrounds and age groups.
Mona Mattar, the local coordinator for this program, delivered a stirring opening speech about how women have achieved many amazing things as a result of the HDIP empowerment program. These achievements are especially remarkable given the limited opportunities available for most Palestinian women. There are many inspiring stories of struggles against fierce odds and overcoming many formidable barriers.
Mrs Sumar Khalili, the main coordinator of the program, gave the second presentation. Mrs. khalili also congratulated the women who had made great strides forward as a result of the program but went on to tell the group that, given more opportunities, successful Palestinian women could do a lot in transforming the entire Palestinian society.
Dr Mustafa Barghouti gave the keynote address. Dr Barghouti is one of the preeminent public and political figures in Palestine to have attended this conference. He also commented on the powerful achievements shown by women and related many stories of successful and creative women who excelled in their field in spite of the handicap of living under the pressure of the occupation and other barriers in the society.
Holy land Trust’s own volunteer Jenara walker had the honor to be invited to talk about her experience in Ohio and America and the difference between the Palestinian and American women. She described how American women have more opportunity but are less focused on family but, for Palestinian women the reverse is true. Can Palestinian women be provided more opportunities and maintain their focus on family life?
