Palestinian women across generations: Once a dream, now a reality

Luzan Jubeh

Luzan, who is eight-years-old and lives in Jerusalem, dreams of becoming an engineer.

“I want to become an engineer to create buildings and make the world a beautiful place. I will fulfil my dream with my mom’s support,” she says.

“I’m building my own planet from scratch,” says Luzan.

Using cartons and other simple materials, Luzan created a model planet called “Protoface”.

She loves to turn her fantasies into reality through handicrafts. It allows her to express her ideas, strong personality and passion for engineering.

Nisreen al-Mbayyed

Nisreen, who lives in Gaza, is a married civil engineer expecting her first child. She has been passionate about engineering since childhood.

“I used to ask my dad about every line he drew. I don’t ever recall him getting bored with my endless questions. My love for engineering grew with me, long before I went to college,” she says.

Nisreen works for a contracting company and is now supervising the construction and paving of a road in the al-Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City.

"My road to success was not paved with roses. I saw suspicion in the eyes of the workers and their refusal to take instructions from a woman. I had faith in myself and changed their perceptions. Over time, they became more accepting and got used to my presence in the field. We spend pleasant times working together,” said Nisreen.

Jenny Abu Sharia

Jenny, who is 12-years-old and lives in Gaza, dreams of becoming a lawyer.

“I want to defend the children of divorced parents. I believe no matter what obstacles arise in a relationship, the children should be kept out of it. Injustice is the worst feeling in the world, I don’t want to see anyone treated unfairly,” she says.

When asked about her relationship with her mother, who is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology, Jenny says: “My mom is my number one supporter. My sister and I see her as a role model.”

Hana Tarazi

Hana is a practicing lawyer before ordinary and Sharia courts in Gaza. She is married with two children, a girl and a boy.

Going to law school was Hana’s childhood dream. “There are those who accept me as a Sharia lawyer, and others who condemn it and believe that a woman should stay at home. Today, I’m proud to see women specializing in law and girls dreaming of studying it," she says.

“Mostly, women who have been ill-treated say they feel confident and comfortable talking to me, as no one can understand the feelings of a woman better than a woman like herself,” says Hana. “A few days ago, an 18-year-old came to thank me after regaining custody of her son. I was glad to hear the news of her return to university. Such experiences fill me with endless joy.”

Mayan Abu Akar

Seven-year-old Mayan from Jerusalem dreams of becoming a surgeon. Although very young, Mayan shows sympathy towards the poor and less fortunate of her city.

“My dream is to become a doctor to cure the poor and those who do not have enough money for their treatment,” says Mayan. “My mom, dad, grandmother and grandfather encourage me all the time to achieve my dream.”

Dareen Salhieh

Dareen works in Ramallah as chief prosecutor for Family Protection against Violence in Ramallah. She holds a master’s degree in International Human Rights Law and is married with four children.

Dareen’s career path was fraught with obstacles: “I was the only woman in a group of 37 men from Gaza and the West Bank when I was first appointed in the Public Prosecution Office. I’m proud to say I paved the way for other women to join the field.”

For Dareen, her job is what enables her to defend the less fortunate members of society.

“At the personal level, I wondered whether I’d be able to work in a field that had long been dominated by men,” she says. “Crime investigation, sexual violence, financial and security crimes… my professional experience is proof that I can.”

Rima Al-Habbash

Rima, eight-years-old from Gaza, started playing the qanun at the age of five. She loves the feel of her fingers flicking across the strings of the instrument.

Rima was born into a family of music lovers. Her father plays the oud and teaches at the national conservatory in Gaza.

“I want to become an artist, to roam the world and spread peace with my music,” she says. “Music is a universal language. My mom created a YouTube channel with videos of me playing and singing. I feel excited when I receive new followers. Don’t forget to subscribe!”

Reem Talhami

Reem is an artist from Jerusalem. She is married with three daughters.

“A woman stands out when her presence is noticed in a field where she’s not expected to be remarkable. This is what makes a woman exceptional. My perseverance to leave a print is the main reason behind my success,” she says.

“Women who choose art as a profession face many difficulties. The biggest challenge for me was being born in a conservative community that accepts women in certain professions but not others.”

“Women go through a set of personal battles that they must win to prove themselves. It’s vital to be persistent and serious about achieving your goal,” she says.

She adds a message for all women on International Women’s Day: “Don’t give up on your dream. If you fall, rise back up. Be strong, have faith in yourself and you’ll definitely get what you want.”