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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
Time: 12:32 am
Time: 12:32 am
Results for female victims (palestine)
1 results foundAuthor: Chaban, Stephanie Title: Palestinian Women and Security: Why Palestinian Women and Girls Do Not Feel Secure Summary: This report presents findings from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews conducted by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) with Palestinian women and girls between June and November 2009 in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip. These interviews and discussions aimed to draw out the perspectives of women and girls on issues relating to their security and gather them in to a cohesive report. This report does not intend to provide specific recommendations, but rather to highlight some of the key security issues identified by Palestinian women and girls. DCAF hopes that the report’s findings will encourage relevant stakeholders to integrate the perspectives of women and girls into the national security debate within the Palestinian Territories. During individual interviews and group discussions, Palestinian women and girls were asked about their security concerns, their experiences of violence, their perceptions and use of services provided by local authorities and/ or the international community, and were also asked to offer recommendations for improving services and, thus, their own security. Women and girls revealed that their feelings of insecurity are related to the ongoing conflict, society’s tacit acceptance of violence against women, their own lack of awareness of service providers, and their distrust of the available services. They gave detailed descriptions of the security threats they face; whether in the public sphere, at work/school, or at home, violence permeates all aspects of their everyday lives. Despite this pervasiveness, women and girls explained that they were reluctant to resort to women’s organisations, human rights organisations, or security and justice providers, such as the police and courts, because of the strong social stigma attached to reporting abuse. They also admitted to being unaware or distrustful of the organisations in charge of protecting them, at times questioning the very existence of such organisations, especially shelters. Women and girls were also concerned that the personnel at these organisations lacked the necessary professional skills and ethics to adequately and confidentially respond to their needs. Finally, many women and girls believed the legal system to be discriminatory and unfair to them. Hence, the recommendations of women and girls include awareness-raising events for all components of society, including men and boys; training for members of social services, women’s and human rights organisations, hospital staff and the police; more coordination between the different service providers; legal reform; and increased female representation and participation in these organisations and in political life in general. Although many women and girls admitted to not using available services, DCAF believes that their recommendations should be carefully examined. Palestinian policy-makers and international actors should also take them into account when considering measures for responding to the security needs of women and girls. A democratic debate on adjusting security services to the security needs of the population should integrate the perspectives of all Palestinians, including those of women, both young and old. Moreover, if services are to be used by women and girls, their needs and willingness to use such services should be precisely assessed. This report only constitutes a first step in this direction. Details: Geneva: Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), 2010. 68p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 5, 2012 at: http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/Palest_Women_Security_ENG[1].pdf Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/Palest_Women_Security_ENG[1].pdf Shelf Number: 124847 Keywords: Female Victims (Palestine)Violence Against Women |