The Palestinian Women’s Rights in the West Bank program is a volunteer initiative which provides international visitors with the opportunity to visit Palestine and gain exclusive insight into women’s rights in the West Bank. Located in the vibrant city of Hebron, participants in the volunteer project will be provided with many opportunities to meet Palestinian women, visit women’s rights organisations and engage in educational and cultural activities during their time with us.
Aimed at educating international participants about the current power dynamics of women in Palestinian society, you will get involved with volunteering with Palestinian women by promoting their rights and empowering them in all spheres of life including the family, the workplace and in politics, all whilst ensuring they are safe from violence, exploitation and discrimination.
Altogether, this volunteer program will enable you to gain awareness about gender equality in Hebron (one of the most conservative cities in Palestine), whilst also allowing you to study and practice Arabic, meet other internationals and experience Palestinian daily life.
Current Women’s Rights Situation in Palestine
In general, there is a great need for women’s advocacy organisations and female empowerment programs in the West Bank and Palestine, as women in Palestinian society often face oppression on two fronts: from the patriarchal hierarchies in their own society, and by Israeli forces where the mistreatment of female detainees is often gender-based.
The oppression from Israeli forces is particularly frequent in Hebron because part of the city is under full Israeli military control and Palestinians in these areas must pass through checkpoints where they are regularly subjected to violence and harassment. Furthermore, as a result of the ongoing occupation, Palestinian women often lack access to adequate health services that they require in many areas of Palestine. On top of that, the Covid-19 Pandemic has exacerbated issues that Palestinian women face.
Palestinian Women: Breadwinners and Homemakers
As a result of the occupation, an unfortunate yet common reality for Palestinian youth and men is imprisonment. Consequently, this often necessitates that the female members of the family (wives, sisters, daughters, etc.) are required to be responsible for running the household, making decisions and supporting themselves and their families financially.
This is another reason why it is of vital importance to educate and empower women, so that they may have the tools and resources to manage these responsibilities and take their place in society.
There are a number of areas where the rights of Palestinian women need to be advocated for, with a key focal point being equality and protection in the home as, according to a 2011 survey by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, “35 percent of married women in Gaza had been exposed to physical violence by their husband within the past year.” More recently, data from 2019 finds that 58.2% of women (15-64 years) in Palestine who are currently married or were ever married were exposed to violence by their husbands “at least once” and that the most common type of violence is psychological violence. Additionally, women and girls with disabilities are at a greater risk of violence and face extra challenges.
Role of Women in Palestinian society
Yet, there are many areas in which the role of women in Palestinian society is very progressive, especially in comparison to many neighboring Arab states and other Middle Eastern countries. For example, Palestine has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Additionally, the education of women is highly valued across Palestine, with many going on to further their studies at universities and become successful in the fields of law, politics, academia, business, arts, sports and so forth.
Whilst you are here, you will meet some of these local women, learn more about their way of life, the obstacles they have had and currently face and the achievements they have made despite any hardships.
Who Can Participate?
We are committed to equal opportunities. Study in Palestine does not discriminate on any grounds, based on nationality, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other.
We have a long tradition of accepting individuals from all over the world, and volunteers have come from many walks of life, backgrounds, and identities. Everyone is invited to engage!
Interning with the Women’s Rights in Palestine Program
Whilst this internship program runs year round, we believe it’s also a great opportunity as a summer internship for university students (see more information in the next section). This is a unique experience for students and non-students interested in the civil, human and legal rights of women in the West Bank, as well as for anyone wanting to promote Palestinian women’s independence. If you wish to travel the region and want to gain an in-depth understanding of the locals and their culture, the issues faced and the effects of the ongoing Israeli occupation on Palestinian women, this project is for you!
If you are looking for internships and volunteer opportunities in women’s organisations in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria or Israel, this program is for you; Hebron is very close to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jaffa and other Palestinians and Israeli cities, to which you may travel and explore during your time here. During their days off, our volunteers often arrange to explore these destinations and more together.
Summer Volunteer and Internship Programs
Interning with the Women’s Rights in Palestine Program over the summer months can be a fantastic opportunity for university students interested in gaining practical experience in Palestine, Israel, and the Middle East. Our Palestinian Women’s Rights in Summer Program is great for those looking to interact and volunteer with women’s rights specifically in the summer. The volunteer program is appropriate for university students seeking for internships to obtain real-world experience.
While we operate our Women’s Rights in Palestine Program year-round, we also have dedicated summer volunteer programs specifically designed for students looking for opportunities to volunteer abroad in the field of women’s rights while also gaining university credit. At Study in Palestine, we are able to grant academic credit to our already enrolled university students thanks to collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Education.
Join the internship program to make the most of this excellent chance travel throughout the summer, obtain practical experience in a related profession, and work towards your degree all at the same time.
Program details and Additional Activities in Palestine
Volunteers in the Women’s Rights Program based in Hebron, West Bank will receive the following benefits. More details are given below. These include:
- Arabic lessons of three hours weekly with native speakers in Palestinian dialect and MSA if desired. Our teachers are well-qualified and attentive, each with a solid educational background, ready and willing to assist you.
- Visits to Palestinian women’s rights organisations in Hebron
- Meetings with women rights’ activists, non-governmental organisations, women’s rights workers, professors and Palestinian university students and holding talks for Palestinian girls and women to raise awareness about their rights
- Holding workshops with Palestinian boys and men about gender equality
- Organizing activities for Palestinian women e.g. discussions and workshops about the roles and depictions of women in conventional and social media
- Many opportunities to meet Palestinian women in Hebron
- Exposure to everyday life in Hebron, as well as Palestinian culture and society including the chance to experience traditional Palestinian dishes and desserts
- Accommodation arranged through a Palestinian host family (for women) or through our all-male dormitory
- Palestinian cultural nights with entertainment and activities
- Opportunities to visit unique tourist attractions with the benefit of a native point of view, including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea in Jericho
- The option to visit nearby cities as well as cities located in Israel including Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Nazareth
- And finally, a certificate upon completion.
Training in Palestinian women’s empowerment,
The Palestinian Women’s Rights Internship Program bases its headquarters at Study in Palestine’s facilities in Hebron, Palestine. In this program, we invite our volunteers to travel into the wider community. Firstly, to organize workshops and training in Palestinian women’s empowerment, but also to raise awareness about the rights of women globally and in Palestine especially.
During your time here, you will visit many women’s rights organizations in the West Bank in order to know more about their work in the area, seek future cooperation and obtain more information about the situation in Hebron specifically.
Through our volunteer program, you will also have plenty of opportunities to build close relationships with women living in the West Bank and witness the relationships they have with Palestinian men and other women in their society. There will also be chances for you to engage with men by working with them about issues relating to the rights and equality of women in the West Bank and globally.
Arabic Culture and Language Immersion
Every international volunteer and intern will receive three hours of Arabic instruction every week from a professional, skilled, and attentive teacher. These classes are created so that you may connect with the individuals your are working with on an essential level. Making an attempt to learn the local language is also considered a sign of respect for their culture, and is always appreciated by all parties involved.
You will have plenty of opportunities to practice the Arabic you have been studying in class because you will meet new people on a daily basis throughout your time in Palestine. Our instructors teach both Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Arabic.
Participants in the Women’s Rights Internship in Palestine program will also go on trips to important historical and political locations in Hebron guided by the our staff. While these trips will normally include visits to the Old City of Hebron as well as the nearby villages, tours of the local refugee camps in Hebron will also provide participants with a better knowledge of Palestine’s current political situation.
Live With a Palestinian Host Family
In addition to learning first-hand about one of the most politically divisive regions in the world, volunteers and interns will be supported in your endeavours throughout your stay. You can be provided a host family in addition to your specific program objectives.
Via a stay with a host family during the time in Hebron, you will be given many opportunities to fully immerse themselves in a Palestinian context through many conversations among the local friendly community of Hebron, as well as learn Arabic. You will consequently be given a rare look into Palestinian home life and culture and will take part in family activities, attend Palestinian cultural events, become familiar with daily life in Hebron and much more!
Read About Tara’s Experience with the Program
“During my time in the West Bank, I met lots of people and they were kind enough to share their experiences with me. The women in particular had many stories about how they had overcome the problem of inadequate women’s rights and the difficulties of life under Israeli Occupation. It was often heartbreaking to hear about the lack of women’s rights over the years but I was amazed by their strength and ingenuity. [Over my time in Hebron] I met women who were very talented: those who created beautiful embroidered clothing and accessories, others who combined studying at university with working part-time and some who successfully provided for their household both financially and practically.
“Additionally, a lot of the women I had met had received a good education and included doctors, several teachers, a journalist and many other professionals. I also had the opportunity to speak to a lady who had seen several of her sons imprisoned by the Israeli forces, with one of them currently under administrative detention. Although this is very difficult for her, she is resolute and determined to help obtain his release as well as help her son’s wife and their growing family too. As a result of the detainments, she has had many arduous journeys to visit her sons during their imprisonment, often traveling for 24 hours for a 30-minute visit.
Safety of Our Volunteers and Interns
The region of Palestine is perpetually unstable. While there is always unrest and war, the situation sometimes becomes more volatile. Nonetheless, each year millions of tourists visit Palestine and the West Bank, including Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Tulkarem, Nablus and many other cities without any safety issues. Palestinians in general are a welcoming and hospitable people and they recognize the politics of a country may differ from its people.
Since its formation in 2011, we have welcomed over 1,000 international visitors. These visitors have lived and worked in Hebron for weeks or months at a time and overall they never faced any threats or safety issues while in Hebron or the West Bank in general.
Moreover, we are situated in an area of Hebron which is under the Palestinian authority and in the heart of the city. Our Palestinian host families and the male dorms are located nearby as well.
Other Volunteering Opportunities
Apart from the Palestinian Women’s Rights Program, we provide many other volunteer programs in the West Bank, demonstrating the wide array of opportunities available with us at Study in Palestine. These include:
| Internship in Palestine Program (1-3 months) | Palestinian Laws & Legal Practices Internship | |
| The Palestine and Israel in Context internship Program | Human Rights Program in West Bank | |
| Women’s Rights in Palestine internship Program | Medicine & Healthcare in the West Bank | |
| Teach English in the West Bank internship | Volunteer & Study Arabic in Palestine | |
| Volunteering with Palestinian Children in the West Bank | Volunteer in Local Schools in Palestine | |
| Teach for Palestine Program (2-3 Months) | Volunteer in a Journalism Program in Palestine | |
There is also the opportunity for volunteers to combine programs if they wish in order to gain more experience and broaden their understanding across multiple issues. For example, participants can volunteer in the Women’s Rights Program for two weeks and then volunteer with the Community Development Project the following week.
Practical Information
| Location of Program | Hebron, West Bank |
| Program Fees | 250 Euro a week |
| Age | 18+ |
| Minimum Duration | One week |
| Maximum Duration | 13 weeks |
| Start/End Dates | Year-round |
| Application Deadline | No deadline/flexible timeframe |
| Program Language | English |
| Days Off | Two days a week (Fri-Sat) |
| Areas of Interest | Women’s Rights in Palestine Palestinian Women’s empowerment Women’s organizations in Hebron |
| Number of Volunteers/Interns | 2-5 |
| University Credit | Available |
| Nearest Airports | Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport in Israel Eilat Ramon Airport in Israel Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan |
| Program’s Reviews | Reviews & ratings (95%) on Gooverseas.com Reviews & ratings (91%) on Goabroad.com Participants’ video testimonials |
Program fees
Study in Palestine charges a fee of €250 a week. The program fees include pre-departure support, accommodation, breakfast, full coordination while volunteering in Palestine, 3 hours per week of Arabic lessons, and outings to different sites in the city of Hebron.
There is also the opportunity for volunteers to combine programs if they wish in order to gain more experience and broaden their understanding across multiple issues. For example, participants can volunteer in the Women’s Rights Program for two weeks and then volunteer with the Community Development Project the following week.
Application Period and Program Dates
At Study in Palestine, we are looking for international volunteers and interns all year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter), there is no fixed application period. Program dates are flexible and you are welcome to stay from anywhere between 1 and 13 weeks.
Daily schedule for Volunteers
Volunteering with us at Study In Palestine will require commitment and flexibility. You will be expected to work approximately 25-30 hours each week, from around 10 am until 4 pm and with two days off: Friday and another day of your choosing. We are closed on Fridays.
Every morning, international volunteers start the day with breakfast with our staff and the directors. It typically consists of bread, olive oil and za’atar, hummus, labneh, falafel, cucumber, tomato and bell pepper – basically all of the essentials you will find in a traditional Palestinian morning meal.
How to Get to Palestine?
The most convenient method to reach the us at Study In Palestine is to fly to:
- Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport in Israel. It takes roughly two and a half hours by shared cab from the airport to the Hebron.
Alternatively:
- Flying to Eilat airport in the south of Israel and then taking a shuttle or bus to Jerusalem and finally to Hebron. The travel, on the other hand, can last between six and seven hours.
- Flying to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan and then crossing the border into Palestine. This, however, takes more time and is more expensive.
Traveling to and from Hebron, West Bank
All of Study in Palestine’s volunteers travel to and from Hebron using single or shared taxis which pass through checkpoints.
You will find all the necessary information about how to get to Hebron and Study in Palestine with relevant contact information in these four articles:
- How to fly to Palestine
- How to get to Hebron, Palestine
- Planning your trip to Palestine
- How to get from the Ben Gurion Airport, Israel to Hebron
How Do I Get a Visa to Visit Palestine?
The majority of our volunteers in Palestine receive a three-month tourist visa when arriving into Israeli airports or cross from Jordan to the West Bank.
Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans do not require a visa to enter Palestine, but do refer to the visa exemption agreement for further information. Upon your arrival at the Israeli Airports in Tel Aviv or Eilat, you will be granted a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. This is sufficient for participation in Study in Palestine’s programs as well as easy travel around Palestine and Israel.
Traveling to Palestine On Your Own?
No worries, you’ve come to the right place!
You will meet many participants from overseas who are also involved in our volunteer abroad programs, along with university students and a community of people with a variety of interests. Palestinians in Hebron, in particular, love to meet new people from different cultures and exchange ideas and experiences.
For everyone here it is like belonging to one family and there are always activities to do together in Hebron’s fantastic social scene.
Criteria for Participants in the Palestinian Women’s Rights Program:
Requirements:
- To be 18+
- The ability to communicate in English
- The willingness to meet Palestinians
- An eagerness to learn
But you do not need:
- Travel experience
- Teaching experience or an educational degree
- To be a native speaker of Arabic
- An ability to speak Arabic in general
Summary: Join Our Family in Palestine
This The Palestinian Women’s Rights program gives our international participants the chance to learn first-hand about the current women’s rights situation in Palestine and the issues Palestinian women face both within their own community and as a result of the Israeli occupation. Additionally, we provide the opportunity for participants to engage with the local community, especially local Palestinian women. We provide this several ways, for example through visits to important relevant Palestinian organizations in and around Hebron, offering informative presentations, meeting with local women, living with a Palestinian host family (only for female participants), facilitating activities such as workshops run by the participants for local girls or women and more.
This The Palestinian Women’s Rights program is for anyone who is interested in women’s rights and issues in Palestine and anyone who is looking to learn from Palestinian women while also supporting and empowering them. If you are a current university student looking for an internship program to provide you with credit for your studies, then our summer program is a wonderful opportunity for you. If you are not a current university student, you may join our program at any time of the year that suits you.
How to Apply?
Please send us an email stating your interest to Info@ecpalestine.org, with “The Palestinian Women’s Rights” as the subject line and we will send you the application form. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us and we look forward to hearing from you!
Find us online
Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://ecpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Volunteer in Palestine: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron
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