Among the more disturbing problems in the Palestinian community is the poor treatment of women.
According to women's organizations domestic violence against women has increased.
This problem negatively affects the stability of the community and causes behavioral problems in children.
In order to address this issue, Face the Public organized two meetings, one in the refugee camp of Jabalia and another in al-Bureij.
attended by 78 persons Guest speakers Dr.
Maryam Abu Daqqa, Palestinian Women Union.
Mr.
Mahir Khudair, Jabaliya Judge.
Amal Abu Sha,ban, social consultant at the Woman Health Center, Jabaliya.
Munira al-Qadiri, lawyer at the Woman Health Center, Jabaliya.
Summary of issues raised by the public
Participants raised the following main points: Violence against women is increasing in the Gaza Strip.
There must be more efforts to fight it as it threatens the family.
There should be more activities to raise both men's and women's awareness about this issue, especially concerning women's rights.
Family problems are usually settled in court at the expense of women.
The PLC is obliged to change the â€کFamily Law, in order to improve the situation of women in the family and in society.
Summary of answers given by the guest speakers
Guest speakers discussed the following points: There must be better understanding of the definition of â€کviolence,.
Covert violence includes coercion, blackmail, and manipulation and often involves verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse.
Overt (physical) violence is not the only kind of violence that occurs.
The Israeli occupation is one of the main sources of violence in the Palestinian community because it affects the behavior of men by humiliating and dehumanizing them.
Poverty is a direct cause of aggression against women and affects family stability.
The PA has to cope with this fact by fighting unemployment and poverty.
Islam does give women rights and protections.
The problem is that most of the women do not know what these are.
Women and men alike must be taught to recognize all forms of discrimination against women in order to prevent further abuses.