Presentation for the Global Ministries Board MeetingPresentation for the Global Ministries Board Meeting

Indianapolis Indianapolis

April 2011April 2011

YWCA OF PALESTINE: CRITICAL PRESENCE:

RESPONDING TO NEEDS UNDER ISRAELI OCCUPATION

FROM 1948 TO 1995 AND BEYONDFROM 1948 TO 1995 AND BEYOND

Population and DistributionPopulation and Distribution In 2010, the total Palestinian population worldwide has been In 2010, the total Palestinian population worldwide has been

estimated to be 10.9 millionestimated to be 10.9 million

Living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WB/GS) is 4.3 millionLiving in the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WB/GS) is 4.3 million (2.5 in WB and 1.8 in Gaza), (2.5 in WB and 1.8 in Gaza), 44.5% of which are refugees 44.5% of which are refugees

The projected Palestinian population in WB/GS is estimated to The projected Palestinian population in WB/GS is estimated to be be

5.1 million in 2015; Annual growth is 2.6%5.1 million in 2015; Annual growth is 2.6%

Christians Constitute 1.37% of the total population Christians Constitute 1.37% of the total population (Passia (Passia 2011)2011)

The population density in Gaza is 4,206 per sq. Km; the The population density in Gaza is 4,206 per sq. Km; the highest in the world, and 444 in WB highest in the world, and 444 in WB (Passia 2011)(Passia 2011)

((PCBS 2010, Population CensusPCBS 2010, Population Census))

The Palestinian Refugees: The Palestinian Refugees: An Unsettled DilemmaAn Unsettled Dilemma

Palestinians became refugees as the result of two wars Palestinians became refugees as the result of two wars between Israel and Palestine/Arab States: between Israel and Palestine/Arab States: Al Naqba of 1948 Al Naqba of 1948 Al Naksa of 1967Al Naksa of 1967

In 1948, 726,000 Palestinian became refugees, and over 1 In 1948, 726,000 Palestinian became refugees, and over 1 million were displaced in the WB/GS after the 1967 war. million were displaced in the WB/GS after the 1967 war.

(PLO Negotiations Affairs Department, Fact Sheet on Palestinian Refugees, May 2003)(PLO Negotiations Affairs Department, Fact Sheet on Palestinian Refugees, May 2003)

Today, the Palestinian refugee population is estimated at Today, the Palestinian refugee population is estimated at 7.1 million (67% of the total Palestinian population 7.1 million (67% of the total Palestinian population worldwide) worldwide)

Presently, more than 50% of Palestinians live in the Presently, more than 50% of Palestinians live in the Diaspora, and Israel continues to deny them their Diaspora, and Israel continues to deny them their ““Right of Right of ReturnReturn””

Source: PASSIA, The Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs- Jerusalem- Al Quds, 2006

Source: itISapartheid.orgSource: itISapartheid.org

Israeli Official Policy and Practices: Israeli Official Policy and Practices: “Land without the People” “Land without the People”

Before the 1948 War, Palestinians owned 87.5% of the total area of Before the 1948 War, Palestinians owned 87.5% of the total area of Palestine. Palestine.

After the 1948 war, the West Bank became part of Jordan, and Gaza After the 1948 war, the West Bank became part of Jordan, and Gaza part of Egypt. part of Egypt.

Since 1967, the Israeli Occupation expropriated 79% of WBGS Since 1967, the Israeli Occupation expropriated 79% of WBGS territoryterritory

(44% for military use, 20% for security reasons, 12% for public use)(44% for military use, 20% for security reasons, 12% for public use)

Presently, over 85% of the Palestinian Land is still under the Control of Presently, over 85% of the Palestinian Land is still under the Control of Israel: there are 145 settlements in WBGS, incl. 26 in East JerusalemIsrael: there are 145 settlements in WBGS, incl. 26 in East Jerusalem

In 2011, settlers in West Bank and Gaza are estimated to be 517,774In 2011, settlers in West Bank and Gaza are estimated to be 517,774

(PASSIA)(PASSIA)

Home Demolitions for Palestinians: Home Demolitions for Palestinians: There are three types of demolitions practiced in There are three types of demolitions practiced in

WB/GS: WB/GS: PunitivePunitive Administrative (lack of housing permits)Administrative (lack of housing permits) Land clearing operations/military demolitionsLand clearing operations/military demolitions

Since 1967, 24,145 Palestinian houses have been Since 1967, 24,145 Palestinian houses have been demolished in WB/GS demolished in WB/GS

(ICAHD: Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions)(ICAHD: Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions)

Home Demolitions for Palestinian families Home Demolitions for Palestinian families are particularly devastating for women and children; are particularly devastating for women and children;

physically, emotionally and psychologicallyphysically, emotionally and psychologically

After Oslo: Fragmentation of West After Oslo: Fragmentation of West Bank/Gaza: Bank/Gaza:

Area A: Full Palestinian Control (2% of WBGS)Area A: Full Palestinian Control (2% of WBGS)

Area B: Palestinian Civil and Israeli security control Area B: Palestinian Civil and Israeli security control (26%)(26%)

Area C: Full Israeli control (72%), which holds 63% of Area C: Full Israeli control (72%), which holds 63% of Agricultural Land Agricultural Land

This zoning limits the possibility of construction and This zoning limits the possibility of construction and expansion as well as denies citizens access for expansion as well as denies citizens access for servicesservices

The Administrative Dimension:The Administrative Dimension:

Permits are required for people to move from the Permits are required for people to move from the West Bank to East Jerusalem, and across West West Bank to East Jerusalem, and across West Bank cities and villagesBank cities and villages

Palestinians should acquire permits to move Palestinians should acquire permits to move outside of their municipal boundariesoutside of their municipal boundaries

All WB/GS citizens cannot access East Jerusalem, All WB/GS citizens cannot access East Jerusalem, cannot drive on bypass roads, or cross entry cannot drive on bypass roads, or cross entry terminals to East Jerusalem by car.terminals to East Jerusalem by car.

A “normal” day in Palestine that depicts mobility restrictions. A “normal” day in Palestine that depicts mobility restrictions. Photo Courtesy by Photographer Ahmad DaghlasPhoto Courtesy by Photographer Ahmad Daghlas

Dimensions of Mobility Restrictions:Dimensions of Mobility Restrictions:

The Physical Dimension:The Physical Dimension: The Separation Wall, checkpoints, roadblocks, trenches, The Separation Wall, checkpoints, roadblocks, trenches,

earth mounds, barriers and bypass roads. earth mounds, barriers and bypass roads. There are 62 permanent checkpoints dividing the WB. There are 62 permanent checkpoints dividing the WB.

In 2008, physical obstacles were estimated at 600 In 2008, physical obstacles were estimated at 600 (Source: World Bank- permanent checkpoints and barriers)(Source: World Bank- permanent checkpoints and barriers)

8% of West Bank land is estimated to have been 8% of West Bank land is estimated to have been expropriated for construction of bypass roads (for settlers). expropriated for construction of bypass roads (for settlers). Palestinians living in the West Bank cannot use these roads.Palestinians living in the West Bank cannot use these roads.

In 2010, $2.4 billion was injected in foreign Aid for Palestine, In 2010, $2.4 billion was injected in foreign Aid for Palestine, but due to closures and restrictions, impact on economic but due to closures and restrictions, impact on economic growth is marginalgrowth is marginal

THE SEPARATION WALLTHE SEPARATION WALL

Mobility Restrictions: The Separation WallMobility Restrictions: The Separation WallBasic Facts:Basic Facts: Construction began in June 2002 by Construction began in June 2002 by

the Israeli Governmentthe Israeli Government

Total expected length of the Wall is Total expected length of the Wall is 725 km long built across entire the 725 km long built across entire the West Bank (90 km is in Jerusalem)West Bank (90 km is in Jerusalem)

The Wall has about 60 gates; two-The Wall has about 60 gates; two-thirds built exclusively for settlersthirds built exclusively for settlers

12 official gates in Jerusalem, only 4 12 official gates in Jerusalem, only 4 are open to Palestinians. The rest are are open to Palestinians. The rest are for Israeli settlersfor Israeli settlers

Palestinians must obtain permits to Palestinians must obtain permits to pass through gates pass through gates

IMPLICATIONS ON ECONOMY AND LIVELIHOODS

In 2000, poverty in Gaza was estimated at 33%, increasing In 2000, poverty in Gaza was estimated at 33%, increasing to 52% in 2008. If remittances and food aid are deducted, to 52% in 2008. If remittances and food aid are deducted, then poverty will soar to 79% in GS and 46% in WBthen poverty will soar to 79% in GS and 46% in WB

Unemployment in WB has risen from 11.5% in 1998 to 19% Unemployment in WB has risen from 11.5% in 1998 to 19% in 2008, and from 20.9% in Gaza to 40.6% for the same in 2008, and from 20.9% in Gaza to 40.6% for the same yearsyears

Female labor force participation in WB/GS is 16%, amongst Female labor force participation in WB/GS is 16%, amongst the lowest in the world: employment opportunities are the lowest in the world: employment opportunities are restricted to a narrow range of fields: stereotyping of restricted to a narrow range of fields: stereotyping of women labor (1)women labor (1)

(World Bank Report: Checkpoints and Barriers: (World Bank Report: Checkpoints and Barriers: Searching for Livelihoods in WB/GS – Gender Dimensions of Economic Collapse, 2009/2010)Searching for Livelihoods in WB/GS – Gender Dimensions of Economic Collapse, 2009/2010)

(Gender based-violence in Palestinian Territory- Case Study- UNFPA- 2005)

IMPLICATIONS ON EDUCATION

• Students’ and teachers’ movement has become Students’ and teachers’ movement has become difficult, exhausting and energy drainingdifficult, exhausting and energy draining

• West Bank teachers cannot teach in Jerusalem, West Bank teachers cannot teach in Jerusalem, putting pressure on teachers to work in more putting pressure on teachers to work in more than one school (affecting quality of education)than one school (affecting quality of education)

• Due to deficit in PA budget, investments in Due to deficit in PA budget, investments in education are decreasingeducation are decreasing

• Children are forced to pass through the Wall’s Children are forced to pass through the Wall’s gates and face all kinds of physical harassmentgates and face all kinds of physical harassment

• A big number of girls drop out especially in A big number of girls drop out especially in secondary education because they have to cross secondary education because they have to cross checkpoints or go to city and feel at risk.checkpoints or go to city and feel at risk.

(Education under Occupation by UNESCO (PWR&DC)(Education under Occupation by UNESCO (PWR&DC)

IMPLICATIONS ON WOMEN’S SAFETYIMPLICATIONS ON WOMEN’S SAFETY The apparatus of movement The apparatus of movement

restrictions is not gender restrictions is not gender blind, but it affects men and blind, but it affects men and women in different ways.women in different ways.

Women have been more Women have been more vulnerable on checkpoints: vulnerable on checkpoints: uncertainty of safe passage, uncertainty of safe passage, possibility of delays, and possibility of delays, and threat of intrusive body threat of intrusive body searches and detainmentsearches and detainment

End Result:End Result: Women are afraid to cross Women are afraid to cross

checkpoints checkpoints Women are subjected to Women are subjected to

violence and abuse.violence and abuse.

IMPLICATIONS ON WOMEN’S SAFETYIMPLICATIONS ON WOMEN’S SAFETY While men are direct recipients of While men are direct recipients of

violence, women have to bear with its violence, women have to bear with its indirect costs: shouldering the family, indirect costs: shouldering the family, running the household in men’s running the household in men’s absence and working as a absence and working as a breadwinner. Many are not prepared breadwinner. Many are not prepared for that role.for that role.

During siege, closures, high levels of During siege, closures, high levels of unemployment, poverty and isolation, unemployment, poverty and isolation, there is more outward expressions of there is more outward expressions of anger, with women and children being anger, with women and children being the most common targets and victimsthe most common targets and victims

End result:End result: Domestic Violence against women and Domestic Violence against women and

children increasing children increasing Feeling of Humiliation and indignationFeeling of Humiliation and indignation Access to services is diminishing Access to services is diminishing

Militarization and Women’s SafetyMilitarization and Women’s Safety

Study Sponsored by YWCAStudy Sponsored by YWCA

Military Occupation, Trauma Military Occupation, Trauma and the Violence of Exclusion: and the Violence of Exclusion:

Trapped Bodies and LivesTrapped Bodies and LivesBy Dr. Nadera Shalhoub-KevorkianBy Dr. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian

One woman says:One woman says: “ “I have no passport, I exist nowhere, the world I have no passport, I exist nowhere, the world

does not recognize my nationality, I am unable does not recognize my nationality, I am unable to travel or move freely, wherever I go I need a to travel or move freely, wherever I go I need a permit or travel document from the Occupying permit or travel document from the Occupying Forces, I have no health insurance, if I get sick Forces, I have no health insurance, if I get sick I cannot even afford to go to hospital, I wish I I cannot even afford to go to hospital, I wish I will die, and when I do, no one will miss me, will die, and when I do, no one will miss me, we are like insects, human insects.”we are like insects, human insects.”

Another woman who lives in the Old City of Another woman who lives in the Old City of Jerusalem said:Jerusalem said:““I hate living in the Old city, when I come back I hate living in the Old city, when I come back home at night, the soldiers always search me home at night, the soldiers always search me at Damascus gate, and check my address, I at Damascus gate, and check my address, I feel like I am in an airport, they always make feel like I am in an airport, they always make fun of me, and once the women soldiers fun of me, and once the women soldiers wanted to do a body search in the street, and wanted to do a body search in the street, and when I refused to take off my clothes they kept when I refused to take off my clothes they kept me standing in the cold for hours. I am always me standing in the cold for hours. I am always afraid because there are no lights in the street afraid because there are no lights in the street and they can do anything …, how can I feel and they can do anything …, how can I feel safe out of home”safe out of home”

WOMEN’S SOCIAL SPACE WOMEN’S SOCIAL SPACE AND ACCESS TO SERVICESAND ACCESS TO SERVICES

Society at large, neighborhoods, and families have been Society at large, neighborhoods, and families have been fragmented with the construction of the Wall and barriersfragmented with the construction of the Wall and barriers

Women are losing their social networks and family supportWomen are losing their social networks and family support

Women are unable to access educational facilities and Women are unable to access educational facilities and places of work places of work

38% of Palestinian mothers reported increased difficulties in 38% of Palestinian mothers reported increased difficulties in gaining access to health servicesgaining access to health services

Since the second uprising (Intifada), more than 69 Since the second uprising (Intifada), more than 69 Palestinian women gave birth at checkpoints, due to delays Palestinian women gave birth at checkpoints, due to delays or prohibition on travel to medical facilities (many stillborns)or prohibition on travel to medical facilities (many stillborns)

YWCA of Palestine: YWCA of Palestine: Our Response to the SituationOur Response to the Situation

Women’s groups under the name of YWCA Women’s groups under the name of YWCA started as early as 1893started as early as 1893

Officially, the YWCA was founded in Jerusalem Officially, the YWCA was founded in Jerusalem in 1918in 1918

In Love We Serve One AnotherIn Love We Serve One AnotherOur Motto : “Let Us Keep Hope Alive”Our Motto : “Let Us Keep Hope Alive”

We stand for:We stand for:

YY: the young and the youth, and our mission is : the young and the youth, and our mission is to give them hopeto give them hope

WW: is for the women, who are our constituency, : is for the women, who are our constituency, and is who we areand is who we are

CC: is for our Christian identity, values and ethos: is for our Christian identity, values and ethos

AA: we are a membership based association of : we are a membership based association of womenwomen

National Office- JerusalemNational Office- Jerusalem

Associations: Jerusalem, Associations: Jerusalem, Ramallah &JerichoRamallah &Jericho

Refugee Camp Centers: Refugee Camp Centers: Jalazoune/Ramallah Aqabet Jalazoune/Ramallah Aqabet Jaber/JerichoJaber/Jericho

YWCA on the YWCA on the MapMap

Identity and ProfileIdentity and ProfileThe YWCA of Palestine derives its values from its Christian basis. It is :

A member in ECOSOC (UN)A membership-based Christian / women organization: have 300 local members registered locally as a non-governmental non-profit association (In Israel and Palestine)affiliated with the World YWCA movement (which operates in 125 countries)has over 25 million members globally

The Vision of the YWCAThe Vision of the YWCA

The YWCA of Palestine envisions an The YWCA of Palestine envisions an independent and free Palestinian democratic independent and free Palestinian democratic statestate

Works for: justice, peace, tolerance, Works for: justice, peace, tolerance, equality, respect for the rights and dignity of equality, respect for the rights and dignity of human beings, gender equity, human beings, gender equity,

Promotes: women’s leadershipPromotes: women’s leadership

The YWCA of Palestine…The YWCA of Palestine…

supportssupports and aspires to create women leadership and aspires to create women leadership especially among young Christian women and girls, especially among young Christian women and girls,

to realize their full rights and capabilities, andto realize their full rights and capabilities, and promotespromotes full participation of women in decision-making full participation of women in decision-making

on equal footing with men in all aspects of life, on equal footing with men in all aspects of life,

representsrepresents the aspirations of the most excluded women the aspirations of the most excluded women so we can build a democratic and free civil society that so we can build a democratic and free civil society that

nurtures equality, diversity and respect to all nurtures equality, diversity and respect to all

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National General Assembly (27)

National Board12 members: 3 Jerusalem YWCA3 Ramallah YWCA , 3 Jericho YWCA,1 President of National Board, 2 Vice Presidents, National General Secretary (ex-officio)

Local Board

(7-9)

Ramallah

Local Board

(7-9)Jerusalem

Local Board

(7-9)Jericho

Governance Body- YWCA of Palestine

Committees (constitution) Elections, Fundraising, Advocacy, internal audit)

Committees (constitution) Elections, Fundraising, Advocacy, internal audit)

YWCA of Ramallah

YWCA of Jerusalem

YWCA of Jericho

Physical PresencePhysical Presence

Three Local Associations: Jerusalem, Three Local Associations: Jerusalem, Ramallah, JerichoRamallah, Jericho

One National Association: made up of local One National Association: made up of local associationsassociations

One mission, vision and strategic planOne mission, vision and strategic plan Each association has its own programsEach association has its own programs YWCA also operates two refugee Camp YWCA also operates two refugee Camp

Community Centers: Aqbet Jaber near Community Centers: Aqbet Jaber near Jericho, and Jalazoune near Ramallah Jericho, and Jalazoune near Ramallah

YWCA of Palestine: Local ProgramsYWCA of Palestine: Local ProgramsThe YWCA major services:The YWCA major services:

Offers Vocational and Skills Training Education for Offers Vocational and Skills Training Education for womenwomen

Offer Psychological counseling for women, especially Offer Psychological counseling for women, especially traumatized womentraumatized women

Offer employment opportunities in production projects in Offer employment opportunities in production projects in Jericho and Jalazoune refugee campJericho and Jalazoune refugee camp

Promote awareness campaigns on women’s rights in all Promote awareness campaigns on women’s rights in all its localitiesits localities

Offer leadership training for young women and men, as Offer leadership training for young women and men, as well as opportunities for international exchanges and well as opportunities for international exchanges and internships in/with YWCA’s globallyinternships in/with YWCA’s globally

Run two Kindergartens, educational and play centers in Run two Kindergartens, educational and play centers in refugee campsrefugee camps

Offer youth and children summer campsOffer youth and children summer camps

OUR STRATEGIC OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

1. Economic Empowerment of 1. Economic Empowerment of WomenWomen

2. Raising Awareness on rights and 2. Raising Awareness on rights and issuesissues

3. Leadership Training and Civic 3. Leadership Training and Civic Engagement for YouthEngagement for Youth

4. Cognitive learning for Children 4. Cognitive learning for Children

YWCA’s Program Thematic Areas YWCA’s Program Thematic Areas

1. Women’s Economic Development• Vocational training programs• Employment generation porgrams

2. Promoting Women and Gender Rights• Training for Women on their economic, social and economic and health rights, incl. reproductive rights (HIV Education)•Join coalitions that work on violence against women (incl. honor killings)

•3. 3. Youth Leadership Training and Civic Youth Leadership Training and Civic EngagementEngagementTraining WorkshopsTraining WorkshopsVoluntary CampsVoluntary CampsYouth International ExchangesYouth International Exchanges

4. Children Education and Cognitive Learning4. Children Education and Cognitive LearningPreschools in Refugee CampsPreschools in Refugee CampsChildren After school centers and play centersChildren After school centers and play centers

Keeping Hope AliveKeeping Hope Alive

Advocacy for Peace with Justice: Advocacy for Peace with Justice: On the Local levelOn the Local level

The YWCA seeks to promote awareness and The YWCA seeks to promote awareness and educate the global movement, churches, educate the global movement, churches, international communities on the situation in international communities on the situation in Palestine, especially on and how it affects women Palestine, especially on and how it affects women and children. and children.

To do so, YWCA:To do so, YWCA:- Conducts research on militarization, violence and womenConducts research on militarization, violence and women- Issues Position Papers, Action AlertsIssues Position Papers, Action Alerts- Creates global solidarity for Peace with Justice in Palestine Creates global solidarity for Peace with Justice in Palestine

with global partnerswith global partners- Organizes witness visits, advocacy visits, speaking tours Organizes witness visits, advocacy visits, speaking tours

for Palestinian womenfor Palestinian women- Works with other Christian organizations to support Works with other Christian organizations to support

Christian presence and witness Christian presence and witness

YWCA’s Global Response to the YWCA’s Global Response to the SituationSituation

World YWCA Council Meeting in Nairobi in 2007 World YWCA Council Meeting in Nairobi in 2007 renewed its commitment to Peace and Justice: issued a renewed its commitment to Peace and Justice: issued a Resolution calling for “Peace, Security and Dignity for Resolution calling for “Peace, Security and Dignity for Women” in the Middle East”Women” in the Middle East”

The members also endorsed the Action Plan for the The members also endorsed the Action Plan for the Resolution which calls for:Resolution which calls for:a. Educating membership on the situation of women in a. Educating membership on the situation of women in

Palestine and the Middle EastPalestine and the Middle Eastb. Supporting YWCA Programs in the region, b. Supporting YWCA Programs in the region, including direct services, counseling, and educationincluding direct services, counseling, and education

c. Implementation of UN SR 1325 (which calls for c. Implementation of UN SR 1325 (which calls for women’s Involvement in eh peace process)women’s Involvement in eh peace process)

World YWCA established the Peace with Justice Task World YWCA established the Peace with Justice Task ForceForce

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External Challenges for the YWCAExternal Challenges for the YWCA The Israeli Occupation and all its implications:The Israeli Occupation and all its implications:

Compliance to Israeli tax regulations but no benefitsCompliance to Israeli tax regulations but no benefits Mobility restriction of staff and volunteers and limited Mobility restriction of staff and volunteers and limited

access to sitesaccess to sites Economic deterioration, increasing poverty and Economic deterioration, increasing poverty and

unemployment and continued pressure to do moreunemployment and continued pressure to do more Communities’ inability to cover cost of services Communities’ inability to cover cost of services

Sustaining the Christian Basis of the Organization in Sustaining the Christian Basis of the Organization in light of a shrinking Christian presencelight of a shrinking Christian presence

Sustaining the spirit of voluntarism and giving in Sustaining the spirit of voluntarism and giving in times of hopelessnesstimes of hopelessness

External Challenges for the YWCAExternal Challenges for the YWCA

Staying responsive in a situation of conflictStaying responsive in a situation of conflict Sustaining itself as a youth movement Sustaining itself as a youth movement

when the young are not interested or when the young are not interested or attractedattracted

Being able to promote its Christian values Being able to promote its Christian values through service and critical presencethrough service and critical presence

Shrinking financial resources because of Shrinking financial resources because of donor’s policies in Palestinedonor’s policies in Palestine

AS CHRISTIAN WOMEN… OUR MISSION IS TO KEEP HOPE ALIVE