PALESTINIAN WOMEN IN THE SHADOW OF GENOCIDE IN GAZA (2024)

Abstract

This paper explores the resilience and strengths demonstrated by women in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict that escalated in October 2023. Despite facing profound hardships—including the loss of homes, loved ones, and basic necessities—women in Gaza have emerged as pivotal figures within their families and communities. Utilising qualitative narratives, this study highlights the values of solidarity, resourcefulness, and determination among these women, illustrating how they support each other and maintain cultural identity in the face of adversity. Through in-depth interviews and field observations, the findings reveal Gaza’s and Palestinian women's crucial roles as caregivers, educators, and community leaders. They emphasise their contributions to family cohesion and social stability amidst ongoing violence and psychological trauma. This study underscores the power of women's narratives as a source of hope and resilience, which can inform humanitarian responses and policymaking during wars or conflict zones. Moreover, the implications of this research extend beyond Gaza's boundaries, offering critical insights into women's dynamic role in similar crises globally. This paper highlights the need for support systems tailored to empower women as key stakeholders in their communities. Ultimately, it calls for reconceptualising women's roles in the struggle for freedom by building more cohesion on the internal front, recognising their agency and essential contributions to societal resilience and recovery.