Honoring the Palestinian Woman—The Beacon of the Palestinian Revolution, Past, Present, and Future
On March 8, commemorating International Women’s Day, the second session of the “Decolonizing Narratives” political training course took place at the Youth Studies Center in Havana. This session focused specifically on Palestinian women, and was attended by 20 women from different nationalities, reaffirming their support for the global feminist movement and highlighting its significance in social revolutions.
The main discussion was led by Comrade Samira Salah, former director of the Refugee Affairs Department at the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). In a pre-recorded video message, Salah shared stories of courageous Palestinian women who have served as vital pillars in the struggle for the liberation of Palestine.
In her remarks, she stated: “The conflict between Arabs and Zionists began in 1882, coinciding with the rise of the Zionist movement and its ambitions to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This goal was further realized in 1917 with the Balfour Declaration. As Zionist aspirations grew, so did the Palestinian people’s resistance, evolving in response to the challenges of each era. Palestinian women have played a critical role in this struggle, standing shoulder to shoulder with men, with their participation evolving across different times and places. Moreover, they have been present in all phases of resistance.”
As a special guest, Mariela Castro, a member of the National Assembly of People’s Power and director of the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), highlighted the historical and ongoing role of Palestinian women in society. She stated: “The role that Palestinian women have played, and continue to play, is essential. Despite the limited roles traditionally assigned to them by Palestinian society, they have achieved much, breaking beyond traditional roles. They have not been merely caregiver of the
home and traditions. Instead, the home, once just a source of warmth for the family, has evolved into a site of resistance. Palestinian women have not only nurtured the home’s flame but have also kept alive the flame of freedom. Not in the way imperialism tries to impose, by separating the struggles of men and women, but as part of a collective fight.”
She further emphasized: “The goal of Zionist imperialism is destruction, destroying Palestinian culture, language, religion, clothing, and history. This is the essence of colonialism. That is why the role of Palestinian women in preserving this culture is invaluable. They are the ones who have kept the social fabric alive.”
The session concluded with a symbolic performance organized by activists from the “Landless Workers’ Movement”, featuring a song and artistic presentation honoring the sacrifices of peasant women in their struggle for land and freedom. This closing act emphasized a message of unity and resistance, serving as a powerful reminder of the vital role women have played in social struggles throughout history.
Photos by: Pedro Pablo Chaviano.
