Bethlehem University Celebrates International Women's Day 

On Thursday, 11 March, Bethlehem University celebrated International Women's Day, under the theme “Palestinian Women between Suffering and Hope.” Women organizations from the Bethlehem area participated, as part of the University's effort to reach out to the local community.

Ms. Abeer Dusouki, of the SOS Children's Village; and Ms.Vera Baboun, Assistant Dean of Students, addressed the women and said that suffering can be unlimited but people should not lose hope.

Arij Center, Bethlehem, gave a PowerPoint presentation about the separation wall. Ms. Najah Sulaiman, student at Bethlehem University, spoke about the effects of the separation wall on Palestinian families and on women in particular, a presentation prepared by Dr. Norma Masrieyh-Hazboun, Chairperson of the Social Sciences Department.

In addition to the presentations, entertainment included cultural songs by two Bethlehem University female students; Mary Hazboun and Modar Lahaseh.

Various women organizations in the Bethlehem area have signed an agreement committing themselves to helping each other. The agreement was read during the celebration, and female students were called upon to become part of it.