19-7-2010

Fida Al Bargouthi, gender activist and media specialist, praised the role of the Palestinian women in the building of the community and their contribution to the Palestinian revolution and to social and political decision making. The commendation came during the ‘Half of the Society' show produced by the Palestinian Businesswomen's Association (Asala) in cooperation with Watan Television Channel. The show is financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Canadian government though the Canadian Agency for International Development. The show is presented by media specialist Hasan Salim. Al Bargouthi asserted the necessity of applying positive ideas and concepts of social equality between men and women in the policies, laws, and strategies rather than just advocating such issue.

"Palestinian women appreciate the social efforts to assist them in achieving their rights and empower their role in the society. The key of such efforts was the creation of the Ministry of Woman's Affairs and the gender units, as well as approving the women quota in legislative and local elections and the President's signing of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against the Woman (CEDAW)," according to Al Bargouthi's description of the achievements of the Palestinian women on the political and socio-economic levels. 

Al Bargouthi also discussed gender issues in Palestine, which still constitute barriers to women's progress and achievement of rights. The gender issues, according to al Bargouthi stem from the social culture, which reduces the size of the roles given to women in comparison with men.

"The gender concept is about the relationship, rights, and duties of men and women in the society," stated Al Bargouthi. The relationship between men and women has never been equal because men occupy senior posts and important positions whereas women do not occupy such posts and positions due to the dominant social culture. Both men and women are victims to such a culture despite the difference in the social status. 

Dr. Nadir Said, lecturer of sociology, stated that the Arab women's movement seeks to change the dominant policies and social culture, which restricts their roles and reduces their rights compared to men. Dr. Said rejected the inclusion of the biological element in the argument about the societal rights and duties since the Palestinian women have proved to be able to withstand difficult and hard circumstances.

Dr. Said pinpointed the gap between the Palestinian women's movement and the international women's movement. The traditional view of the woman as a receiver of charity and relief aid, must change, insisted Dr. Said. Women's development must not be restricted to developing their embroidery skills. The gender issue is crucial to society development, according to Dr. Said.

Dr. Said also described the ways various societal organizations deal with the gender issue. He said that there is a big number of societal organizations that have not yet absorbed the gender issue. Therefore, such organizations can not deal with issue correctly. On the other hand, there is good progress at other associations that implement projects and programs based on the importance of the change in the life of the women. Legal changes at all levels are needed to empower and advance such progress.