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).