NEXEM KARACA

Gaza- Women are subjected to many forms of violence such as physical, psychological, verbal, and economic violence. Rania Al-Sultan, the field coordinator of the Union of Palestinian Women's Committees (UPWC), told us that women should take part in decision-making positions to combat all forms of violence against them. “Women need laws that guarantee their rights,” she said, “We need a culture that protects women from all forms of violence, including economic violence.”

“Economic violence is a type of violence against women”

Stating that economic violence against women is a type of violence to control, disenfranchise and oppress women, Rania Al-Sultan said, “Economic violence involves controlling a woman's ability to gain, use and sustain economic resources. The biggest factors of the economic violence against women are the ignorance of women's rights and the weakness of the laws.”

“Laws don’t protect women”

Talking about some forms of economic violence against women, Rania Al-Sultan said, “Women are deprived of their rights to inheritance, alimony, and custody. They are not allowed to go to school. The current laws don’t protect women.”

“A special fund should be created”

Mentioning how women should be economically empowered, Rania Al-Sultan said that more women should participate in the labor force. “Women need programs that economically empower them and provide employment. A special fund should be created to financially support the women being subjected to violence.”

They provide financial support to women through projects

The Union of Palestinian Women's Committees has provided financial support to women by carrying out productive projects such as tailoring courses so that women can work at home. “We economically empower some of the oppressed women through the union's partner institutions.”