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Study Group Description: Different genders experience occupation and armed conflict in distinct ways due to factors such as gender-specific strategies employed by perpetrators, socially constructed roles influencing exposure to violence, and unequal access to resources. Armed conflict often reshapes gender roles, exacerbating vulnerabilities and inequalities Even within international humanitarian law (IHL), a gender perspective is still needed to address these differences effectively.

Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem have faced military rule for over 56 years, enduring routine demolitions, military operations, and increasing settler violence. Men and boys remain disproportionately targeted in hostilities, while women and girls face heightened impacts from patriarchal trends. A lot of funds and efforts were invested in Palestine to improve gender equality. However, patriarchy and inequality continue to infest the Palestinian society.

This study group will examine the consequences of occupation on gender equality and the gendered impact of armed conflict in Palestine, with a focus on the West Bank. It will also explore grassroots and international efforts to address these challenges. Participants will engage in discussions and readings, gain insights from first-hand field experiences, and benefit from select presentations by invited experts.

Registration will be first come, first served. This event is only open to HUID holders. Preregistration is required. Please be sure to register separately for each session you plan to attend.

Location/Time

This Study Group will take place over the course of three sessions:

• Session 1: February 19 Wednesday 12pm EST
• Session 2: March 5 Wednesday 12pm EST
• Session 3: March 26 Wednesday 12pm EST

Recommended Reading - Session 3: Grassroots Movements and Gender Equality Under Occupation

Alqaisiya, W. (2018). Decolonial queering: The politics of being queer in Palestine. Journal of Palestine Studies, 47(3), 29-44.

Zaanin, F. (2021). Feminist protests in Palestine. The Bullet. Retrieved from https://socialistproject.ca/2021/08/feminist-protests-in-palestine/

Hawari, Y. (2019). The political marginalization of Palestinian women. Al Shabaka. Retrieved from https://al-shabaka.org/briefs/the-political-marginalization-of-palestinian-women/

Instructor Bio:

Rasha Musleh is a humanitarian, social development, and communications expert with 15 years of experience working on refugees, gender, and youth issues. She spent the last 10 years of her career working with UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Palestine.

From 2021 to 2023, Rasha managed UNRWA’s Crisis Intervention Unit in the West Bank where she headed the Agency’s emergency response to armed conflict. Her work involved designing and implementing protection programs for women and children, as well as mental health support for survivors of armed conflict. In 2019, she undertook a mission to Syria, where she witnessed the impact of humanitarian policies and efforts on refugees. 

Rasha has two advanced degrees in public administration from Harvard University and public relations and communications from Georgetown University. She is a recipient of the Fulbright and Emirates Leadership fellowships.