Economic Violence in Palestine: A Complex Oppression – Women Caught Between Occupation and Societal Norms

"Economic Violence in Palestine: A Complex Oppression – Women Caught Between Occupation and Societal Norms"

During her participation in the regional conference organized by the Arab Women Organization on economic violence, Ms. Fatmeh Muaqqet, Director General of the Palestinian Maintenance Fund, affirmed that the economic violence faced by women in Palestine is a "complex form of violence," resulting from a combination of Israeli occupation practices and societal customs and traditions. These factors weaken women’s ability to make independent economic decisions freely.

Ms. Muaqqet explained that Palestinian women not only suffer from the ongoing siege and aggression but are also victims of social circumstances that limit their active participation in the economy. She stated that the Israeli occupation deepens the suffering of women through the imposition of sieges, land confiscation, and the reduction of employment and education opportunities, thereby creating an oppressive economic environment that perpetuates economic violence against women. At the same time, she noted that societal customs and traditions present another challenge, as they contribute to the economic marginalization of women and restrict their movement in both economic and social spheres.

Ms. Muaqqet emphasized the necessity of adopting Palestinian legislation that supports women's rights in areas such as inheritance, property ownership, encourages female entrepreneurship, and strengthens the protection of their economic rights in the workplace. She also stressed that combating economic violence against women requires fundamental changes in social and economic policies, with effective implementation of the laws.

In conclusion, Ms. Muaqqet underlined that the priority now should be uniting Arab and international efforts to stop the ongoing genocide faced by the Palestinian people and the brutal practices of the occupation. She added, "We cannot achieve real economic development under occupation. Therefore, political and humanitarian efforts must be intensified to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and work towards achieving social and economic justice for women in Palestine."