Receiving an education and working hard
During armed conflict, policymakers and international organizations
always advocate education to support the physical, psychological, and
social well-being of children (Winthrop & Kirk, 2008). Indeed, most of
the participants stressed their willingness to further their education
as a means of improving their future prospects and gain capabilities to
deal better with the ongoing situation in Palestine. Going to school was
described as a way to strengthen personal abilities, thereby enabling
them to someday play their part in improving the situation of their
family and also of their country. , Moreover, education was described as
a means of resisting the occupation, challenging male-dominated social
and cultural norms, and it also helps women claim their rights and
assert themselves within the community.
“It is very important for us as women to learn and be educated. With
education we can get our rights”. (Dheisheh camp, 13, female)
“The occupation wants to take our lands, but also our tradition and
identity. We have to study to keep them. And learning English so we can
describe the situation in our village and ask help to the people around
the world” (Fasayel, 12, female).