Why we work in Palestine

Today, the occupation and war disrupts every aspect of daily life of women in Palestine. Over 10,000 women are estimated to have lost their lives to violence perpetrated by Israeli forces. Against this backdrop, approximately 180 women navigate the challenges of childbirth every day, amidst a landscape marked by destruction and despair. Nevertheless, women in the West Bank faces the Israeli settlers violence and violations of the occupation to all basic human rights.  

The Gaza war has already caused massive loss of life and infrastructure damage, which will have short- and long-term socioeconomic consequences. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is acute: there is a severe lack of basic commodities, electricity and medicine. As a consequence to the crisis, the economy has completely collapsed, poverty and unemployment rates have risen, and domestic violence and abuse have become more prevalent. 

Women in Palestine continues to face societal oppressions. Palestine’s fragmented legal framework discriminates against women by limiting their access to legal protection. It also restricts women’s rights to equal pay for equal work, maternity leave and social protection. 

Politically, women have been largely excluded from participating in decision-making. Space for change is limited because Palestinian democracy is paralysed. Kvinna till Kvinna supports local organisations that struggle to advance women’s rights in spite of this limited space.