Palestinian women visiting Sheffield describe harsh reality and dangers of life
A group of Palestinian women have told Sheffield councillors about the hardships of their lives under Israeli occupation.
The visitors from the West Bank told a gathering of female Labour, Green Party and LibDem councillors at an official reception in Sheffield Town Hall about the issues facing women.
They included sexual harassment by police in Jerusalem and by the Israeli army at checkpoints in Hebron.
Social workers and community group leaders said they also face problems in supporting women because of the difficulties and disruptions of day-to-day life under occupation.
They explained that even buying bread or fuel for cooking is a struggle.
One woman who is a social worker, said: “It’s a heavy duty on us to find a safe space for people, even feeling that is a safe space.”
Support
She said that was vital in order to give therapeutic support to women who have suffered abuse.
She gave an example of eight teenage girls who were sexually harassed by police while on their way to school.
Israeli settlers had also appeared naked in front of girls aged 12 and 13.
Deputy council leader Coun Zahira Naz hosted the event. She said: “Local people really want to support women and children in Palestine.
“Hopefully we can make those links with your organisations and CADFA and hopefully continue our friendship.”
CADFA are the London-based Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association. They organised the UK visit and accompanied the delegation around the country.
Focus
Green Party group leader Coun Angela Argenzio said that the women’s words had put the issues into “really sharp focus” for the councillors.
She also mentioned the friendship agreement between the city council and the West Bank city of Nablus.
LibDem Coun Penny Baker said: “Women talking to women can make a lot of sense. It can bring barriers down.”
Coun Alison Norris asked what else councillors can do. She was told: “Support the freedom of Palestine. When we have our freedom, our problems can be resolved.”
The delegation members suggested that friendship links could be set up between groups with similar interests in Sheffield and the West Bank, or between neighbourhoods.
“This is buying time for the people to survive,” one woman told the meeting.