PSI EX. Director intervention speech on the opening day of the Euromed Civil Society Conference

Rasha Fityan Saleem PSI EX. Director intervention speech on the opening day of the Euromed Civil Society Conference, addressing “Gender Perspective in PCVE: Empowering Women as Active Agents in the Prevention of Extremism, Polarization, and Resilience-Building” with focus on challenges facing women in Palestine & Jordan.

Barcelona/Spain -26 October, 2024

Dear your Excellencies, Esteemed Colleagues, and friendsLadies and Gentlemen, 

     It is an honor to speak with you today on an urgent issue that calls for our collective commitment: integrating a gender perspective into Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) and recognizing women as vital agents in fostering resilience and peace within their communities.

    We gather at a time when escalating conflicts and humanitarian crises, particularly the situation in Gaza, demand immediate action. The atrocities of starvation, ethnic cleansing, and the dehumanization of entire populations underscore the importance of addressing hate speech, polarization, and dehumanization. This moment requires us to remember and uphold frameworks such as UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which mandates women’s inclusion in peace and security, and to recommit to the principles of international law. If we truly aspire to a sustainable peace, we must avoid double standards and ensure that justice is applied universally. 

    Recognizing the urgency of these goals, we must also acknowledge the unique and often underappreciated role of women in peace and security efforts. Women’s contributions are vital, particularly in regions like the MENA, where the impacts of violent extremism and foreign occupation are extremely felt. They are not merely passive victims of conflict; rather, they are essential leaders and agents of change. As caregivers, teachers, and community figures, women frequently stand as the first line of defense, spotting early signs of extremism and building bridges across divides. 

    In Gaza, for instance, where more than 50,000 victims have been recorded with 70% being women and children, women emerge as leaders, rebuilding resilience within their communities and advocating for peace. Such a reality moves us to go beyond the narrative of women as mere victims, inspiring us instead to empower them as essential leaders in the creation of sustainable peace.

      The strength and resilience of Palestinian women become even more remarkable when considering the unique hardships they endure. Under occupation, they face severe challenges—from harsh detention conditions and incidents of sexual harassment in Israeli jails to restricted movement, which has even forced some to give birth under extreme conditions at checkpoints in the West Bank or in damaged, unequipped hospitals in Gaza during times of war.. These barriers endanger lives and add to the daily strain Palestinian women suffer as they strive to protect their families. 

     In Gaza, where relentless conflict disrupts every aspect of life, women work tirelessly to keep their children in home schooling and community schooling despite continuous destruction. Their determination to maintain educational opportunities is both an act of resistance and a beacon of hope. 

    Different context but similar challenges, In Jordan, women face challenges due to social expectations and norms, economic struggles, and geographic limitations, which hold back their participation in: public life, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Strongly held cultural beliefs and patriarchal systems often limit women’s roles in public spaces, reducing their visibility and influence. Economic hardships make these challenges harder, as limited job options can lead to financial dependence, which sometimes traps women in situations of domestic violence. 

Women’s political involvement is also held back by social norms and a lack of support systems. Geographic barriers, especially in rural areas, further cut women off from resources and networks they need to play active roles in decision-making and peacebuilding. 

    As we address these diverse and intersecting challenges, it becomes evident why a gender perspective is not just beneficial but essential in PCVE efforts. Women’s roles within families and communities place them in a unique position to detect early signs of extremism, as their close involvement allows them to notice subtle behavioral changes.   

  This capacity to observe and intervene is invaluable in countering hate speech and polarization. This perspective also becomes critical in confronting the dehumanizing rhetoricthat underpins many conflicts. For instance, labeling Palestinians as “human animals” or “terrorists” dehumanizes an entire population, justifying extreme actions and eroding human dignity. Such rhetoric, significant of past atrocities, illustrates the dangers of dehumanization and the urgent need for women to be empowered to counter these narratives.

   Alongside these specific challenges, there are also broader issues that complicate the PCVE efforts. These include the conflation of religiosity with extremism, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes and alienates entire communities, making it more challenging to address extremism constructively. 

 Similarly, conflating legitimate criticisms of Israeli actions with anti-Semitism can destroy essential dialogue, stifling efforts to stop violence and displacement in Palestine.    

And perhaps most concerning is the presence of double standards in the international response to conflicts—where, for example, the occupation of Palestine is met with silence while Ukraine receives unified support. This inconsistency not only impacts the credibility of the values we claim to uphold, but also has a disproportionate effect on regions like the MENA, where women and vulnerable communities bear the brunt of these conflicts.

  In light of these challenges, advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza becomes an essential priority, one that will protect civilians—especially women, children, and vulnerable groups—and uphold international humanitarian law. Such an action is crucial in breaking the cycle of violence and setting the stage for lasting peace. Governments, civil society, and international organizations must work together to protect human rights and support those most affected by conflict, laying a foundation of resilience and stability that will benefit the entire region.

   Ultimately, empowering women in Peace and Security efforts requires a comprehensive and intersectional approach that considers how race, class, ethnicity, and religion shape women’s experiences with extremism and violence. Recognizing these diverse perspectives not only strengthens our PCVE efforts but also fosters a more resilient and inclusive path to peace. Our strategies must be context-specific and sensitive to human rights, addressing the realities women face across the MENA region.

   Thank you for your attention and for joining me in this vital endeavor to empower women as agents of peace, resilience, and sustainable change.