#16DaysofActivism: End occupation to end violence against women in Palestine

To mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in 2023, Karama’s message has been that we cannot end violence against women and girls in Palestine without ending the occupation.

The majority of victims of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza have been women and children, with civilians making up an unprecedented level of casualties. The conflict has displaced 1.9 million people, with the humanitarian system at severe risk of collapse and half the population facing starvation. In this situation women and girls are especially vulnerable.

Karama’s 16 Days campaign has explored the varied ways that the conflict is exposing women and girls to violence - from the disproportionate level of civilian casualties, to the heightened risk of women in conflict experienced gender-based violence, to the impact on women of the destruction of critical infrastructure and denial of access to health services and utilities.

Women and girls in Gaza are paying an extraordinary price in this conflict - not to mention the impact on Palestinian of increased violence in the West Bank. Karama and our partners have long highlighted the ongoing violence of occupation experienced by women in Palestine.

During the 16 Days of Activism, we reiterate the message that it is simply not possible to end violence against women and girls in Palestine without ending the occupation.