Empowering women in Gaza and the West Bank

ActionAid Australia has been working with Palestinian women in the West Bank and Gaza for a number of years. Our work has a focus on empowering women by deepening their understanding of women’s rights, and strengthening women’s leadership – so that women can advocate for themselves and build a more resilient future for themselves and their families.

In 2023, ActionAid launched a humanitarian response in Gaza to support women and their families bearing the brunt of relentless bombardment, displacement and destruction of medical services. ActionAid continues to support women and their families with food, clean water, hygiene kits, shelter, and medical assistance. Australians can support this emergency response by donating to ActionAid Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal.

In addition to directly supporting women in Gaza, ActionAid has a strong focus on advocacy and campaigning within Australia, to amplify Palestinian calls for justice. Australians can add their name to our open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling on him to hold Israel to account and take action for Gaza.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT WOMEN IN PALESTINE

Women leading crisis response in Gaza

In Gaza, where destruction and displacement have become daily realities, Sahar stands as a beacon of resilience. As the head of the Palestinian Development Women Studies Association – ActionAid’s partner in Gaza – Sahar and her colleagues experience the devastating toll of war every day. Despite the catastrophic conditions, she and her team continue their mission to support women bearing the brunt of war. 

Read Sahar's story

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ActionAid's long-term programs in Palestine

Since 2016, ActionAid Australia has been working with women in Hebron in the West Bank, as part of the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). Women in Hebron Old City face severe challenges, including gender-based violence, high unemployment rates, and restrictive legal and social practices.

ActionAid’s work has laid a solid foundation for long-term gender equality and resilience, enabling women to not only survive but to lead, influence and reshape their communities – despite occupation and conflict. This was enabled by supporting rights awareness, community organising and business development.

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