A Landmark Conference for Palestinian Women in London
The Palestinian Community Association in the UK (APCUK) organized the first-ever conference of its kind for Palestinian women in Britain on Sunday, January 19. The event brought together over 230 women from diverse professional and personal backgrounds.
Held in the British capital, the conference served as a platform to highlight the challenges faced by Palestinian women both within Palestine and in the diaspora. It also provided an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen their role and empower them in both Palestinian and British societies.
Challenges and Opportunities
The conference began with speakers addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian women in the occupied territories and in the diaspora. They emphasized the importance of global awareness and collective action to confront these issues.
The central theme of the conference was to showcase the pivotal role of Palestinian women in strengthening national and community identity. It also highlighted the importance of supporting Palestinian-British women in achieving success across various fields.
Mai Abed, head of the Palestinian Women’s Committee in Britain, summarized her vision by stating:
“This conference aims to support and empower Palestinian-British women to achieve success in all fields while preserving Palestinian culture and traditions, and raising awareness about women’s rights and responsibilities in both Palestinian and British societies.”
Launch of a Permanent Committee for Women in Gaza
One of the key outcomes of the conference was the establishment of the Permanent Committee for Palestinian Women in Gaza. This committee aims to address the needs of women in Gaza, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crises caused by the Israeli occupation.
The committee will focus on providing direct support to women in Gaza, advocating for their rights, and addressing pressing issues that affect their lives under challenging circumstances.
Strengthening Integration and Palestinian Identity
During the conference, Mai Abed stressed the importance of preparing a new generation of Palestinian women who can integrate into British society while maintaining their Palestinian identity.
Dr. Nihad Khunfar, President of APCUK, emphasized the significance of such initiatives, saying:
“With this conference and similar initiatives, we aim to bring together the Palestinian community from all backgrounds under one umbrella, to build bridges of communication, strengthen ties, and foster a shared sense of belonging and identity within the diaspora.”
Workshops and Dynamic Discussions
The conference featured a series of workshops and discussions addressing key topics such as women’s leadership, preserving Palestinian cultural heritage, mental health, and women’s rights advocacy.
These sessions provided participants with an opportunity to share ideas and exchange practical strategies to enhance the roles of women in building the Palestinian community and defending their just causes.
Future Goals and Supporting Women’s Projects
To support Palestinian women in the UK, the committee announced several future initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between Palestinian women at home and abroad.
Key initiatives include organizing educational seminars in collaboration with experts in law, education, culture, and mental health, as well as supporting entrepreneurial women’s projects. A dedicated annual budget will fund three innovative projects, with costs ranging between £1,500 and £3,000 per project.
Celebrating the Role of Palestinian Women
Dr. Nihad Khunfar emphasized the significant role Palestinian women have played throughout the history of the Palestinian cause. He highlighted their active participation in political, social, and intellectual life, both before and after the 1948 Nakba. He added:
“This conference was especially important in celebrating the achievements of Palestinian-British women while addressing key issues faced by Palestinian women and fostering a spirit of collective action within the community.”
Plans for the Future
The Palestinian community in Britain plans to make this conference an annual event to continue enhancing the role of Palestinian women in various fields. A sustainable platform will also be established to empower Palestinian women in the diaspora and provide them with more opportunities to participate in public, political, and cultural life.
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