GAZA-FEMALE ADVISER Increasing numbers of Gazan women working in conflict resolution

Record ID: 150380

  • Title: GAZA-FEMALE ADVISER Increasing numbers of Gazan women working in conflict resolution
  • Date: 7th June 2015
  • Summary: GAZA CITY, GAZA (JUNE 2, 2015) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF COUNCIL BUILDING USED FOR RESOLVING CONFLICTS SIGN READING IN ARABIC: 'COUNCIL OF THE MUKHTAR ABU JIHAD ALSHAMALY' MUKHTAR, ABU JIHAD ALSHAMALY, GUIDING WOMEN VARIOUS OF WOMEN TAKING NOTES (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MUKHTARAH, SAMYA ALHANAFI, SAYING: "The issue of being a Mukhtarah has been of great benefit to me, I took a cou
  • Embargoed: 22nd June 2015 13:00
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  • Location: Gaza
  • City:
  • Country: Palestinian Territories
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVAEHS7ZNQKFT2OY5124D8EHLNXR
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is helping scores of Gazan women to train in the area of dispute resolution, facing resistance from some factions who believe it is the reserve of men.
    The UNDP has been running its Access to Justice programme in the occupied Palestinian territory for over a decade, with legal experts providing training on conflict resolution, negotiation techniques and an overview of laws and regulations in matters of engagement, marriage and divorce.
    This new initiative falls under the umbrella of the Access to Justice Programme, helping people to be more aware of their rights and responsibilities.
    In conservative Gazan society, couples turn to a "Mukhtar", an old wise man or the head of a village to deal with any serious disagreements between families or residents. Although the Mukhtar normally operates within a tribal setting, he is often selected by a consensual method involving an election.
    The UNDP has introduced a course especially designed for women mediators, referred to as "Mukhtarahs" spotting a role for them to peacefully settles disputes without need to resort to formal judicial systems.
    Samya Alhanafi is one of first selected woman to gain this controversial title.
    Previously, she worked as a mosque keeper before becoming a Mukhtarah, thus bringing a wealth of experience in advising women to her position. She holds an Islamic sharia college degree and has completed a range of law courses.
    "The issue of being a Mukhtarah has been of great benefit to me, I took a course around 3 years ago. We worked in the areas that we had studied on the course, then we turned to conflict resolution. The area of conflict resolution has meant that we took courses on law, mediation, and analysis. We became very familiar with resolving conflicts,'' said Samya Alhanafi.
    In the interim period, Mukhtarahs are still being mentored by more experienced Mukhtars, who guide them through more complicated cases.
    Mukhtar Abu Jihad Alshamaly spoke very highly of women who take up the position, saying that women are needed because family conflicts are rising as a result of the wider issue of unemployment.
    "Because in our current daily conflicts, we have many women related issues, issues inside the homes, and issues of divorce. We turn to them (referring to the women titled as Mukhtar to solve these issues. Honestly, they put in a lot effort with very good results, even though they are housewives with toddlers, children and homes. It doesn't impact them and they do their job completely.''
    Many male spouses of the mukhtars are very supportive of their wives' role, respecting and recognising their contribution to society.
    Mukhtarah Ameeneh Awad has been in the role for a year. Like other Mukhtarahs, she also graduated with a high school diploma and completed legal courses before taking on the role. She has 7 children and says it has not posed a barrier to her success.
    "We solve women's issues, any woman who approaches us with an issue, without involving the centre, I solve the problem immediately within the family. With God's blessing, we have found comfort in this role and what encourages us is that the man is aware of his wife's role and the resolution is between the man and the woman,'' Awad added.
    The Gaza Strip is known to adhere tightly to traditional and religious ideologies. Not all the local men have been supportive of the women wishing to break through the taboo of taking on positions historically been for men.
    Mukhtar, Jaber Abu Musbeh is one such opposer, believing it is wrong for women to take on the job.
    "I am not against women, I am against a women being a 'mukhtar'. A woman cannot be a 'mukhtar', not according to tradition or the sharia, it is not acceptable in our society. Giving her this title is unacceptable," stated Jaber Abu Musbeh.
    It is not just some of the Mukhtars who object. Some residents believe that by delving into peoples' private lives, women are vulnerable to assault. Gazan Mohammad Abu Musbeh said, "A woman can't sit in similar council with 20 men, to quarrel and argue. She can't address her family and to rule the men in her family.''
    The $25 million (USD) programme is funded by the governments of Sweden, Canada, Japan and Netherlands. The Mukhtarahs do not receive an income for their reconciliation role apart from a small allowance covering their transportation costs. With Palestinians continuing to struggle to cope with the Israeli blockade of Gaza and increasing unemployment, the UNDP hopes that its initiative will provide the women with skills, self-esteem and stimulation that can help them in their daily struggles.
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