ActionAid Palestine Implements 16 Days of Activism Activities Against Gender-Based Violence with Women in the Old City of Hebron
Hebron – Occupied Palestinian Territory – As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, ActionAid Palestine carried out an awareness activity targeting women in the Old City of Hebron (H2), aiming to raise awareness of women’s rights and call for a safe environment free from all forms of violence and discrimination.
The activity was organized in partnership with the Women’s Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling (WCLAC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the College of Nursing at Hebron University, Friends of the Patient Society, and To-me Cosmetics Company.
This activity is part of a series of events implemented by ActionAid and its local partners in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the 16 Days campaign, held this year under the slogan “From Survival to Strength… Women Rebuilding Palestine.” The slogan highlights the importance of supporting and empowering women survivors of violence and strengthening their ability to break the silence and drive change.
The campaign also aims to shed light on violations committed by the occupation against Palestinian women in the West Bank and Gaza, with special focus on digital violence against women and girls, which is among the most widespread and harmful forms of violence. The activities seek to raise women’s awareness about confronting increasing violence amid the grave challenges facing Gaza and the West Bank due to occupation and war.
Many of the participating women emphasized the importance of continuity and sustainability of psychosocial support, mental health services, protection, international justice, application of international law, and ending the occupation. Their demands also included expanding awareness sessions on digital safety and protection from digital violence and extortion.
These activities provided a safe space for women to discuss their concerns, share their problems, and seek advice from specialists in protection services and digital violence issues.
The event was opened by ActionAid Palestine’s General Director, Mr. Jamil Sawalmeh, who welcomed the participants and reaffirmed ActionAid’s role in supporting Palestinian women through capacity building, strengthening their roles and participation, and combating all forms of violence against women. He stated:
“This campaign is not just an annual event; it is a global platform that reminds us of the responsibility we all bear in opposing every form of violence and injustice faced by women and girls. Our presence here today has special significance because we are in a place that reflects the difficult reality women live every day. Many women in this area face enormous challenges due to complex social, economic, security, and political conditions. Yet, we witness their strong presence, determination to participate, and belief in their right to a dignified life. This itself is a source of inspiration and affirms that Palestinian women are capable of overcoming challenges and transforming pain into strength.”
The event also included an open discussion with women. WCLAC’s social worker Suna Hanaihen and lawyer Salwa Banoura spoke about laws and regulations related to gender-based violence, digital violence, and mechanisms for accessing protection services.
Suheila Hijazi, Director of Friends of the Patient Society, discussed the violence faced by breast cancer patients in the closed areas of Hebron and the daily challenges they encounter.
A social worker from Médecins Sans Frontières presented an overview of mental health services available for women in the city.
Hiba Badran, a lecturer at the College of Nursing at Hebron University, addressed the importance of confronting violence, breaking the silence, reporting abuse, and strengthening women’s solidarity and community support to ensure women’s access to justice and rights.
Suheila Hijazi emphasized that mental health is crucial for women, explaining that the meeting at Beituna Center in the Old City aims to provide psychological support to women diagnosed with cancer, as mental well-being is essential for them to continue and make informed decisions about their treatment.
The Director of Beituna Center, Aya Al-Qadi, said that psychological support is essential for improving women’s mental and physical health.
Dr. Shireen Ibrahim Al-Qawasmi, a participant in the awareness event, added that such meetings are important for women, and that the campaign across the Old City and the West Bank plays a vital role in raising women’s awareness of mental health support.
Women in Hebron’s Old City (H2) suffer from severe social, psychological, and economic conditions resulting from movement restrictions, closures, checkpoints, and settler violence. These practices limit women’s movement and restrict their public and economic participation.
The activity included interactive and awareness-raising stations run by partner organizations.
At the end of the event, orange balloons were released into the sky of the Old City as a symbol of hope and change, reaffirming that women’s future must be safe and free from violence.
ActionAid Palestine reaffirms its commitment to continuing its support for women and girls through capacity building, amplifying their voices in decision-making spaces, and providing protection, economic, and social empowerment programs—working toward a more just society that upholds women’s rights.
About ActionAid International
ActionAid International is a global federation working with more than 41 million people across over 72 of the world’s poorest countries. We strive for a world founded on justice and sustainability, where everyone enjoys a life of dignity, freedom, and a world free from poverty and oppression. Our work focuses on achieving social justice, gender equality, and eradicating poverty.
ActionAid began its work in Palestine in 2007 to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people, grounded in their right to freedom, justice, and self-determination. In Palestine, ActionAid implements various programmes through engagement with Palestinian communities, youth groups, and women. We aim to empower women and young people, enhance their effective civic and political participation, deepen their understanding of their rights, and mobilize them to engage in collective action to address rights violations resulting from prolonged occupation. Additionally, we work to strengthen their leadership capacities and support them in practicing active citizenship by holding authorities and other duty bearers accountable.
For more information, please contact:
Riham Jafari
Communications and Advocacy coordinator – ActionAid Palestine