March 24 , 2009

Bethlehem University Celebrates Women’s Day

By Majd Dowani (BU ’09)

The eighth of  March is the day on which we remember how women strived – and are still striving – to have their full economic, political and civil rights. Bethlehem University recently celebrated this special day in order to appreciate Palestinian women, with an emphasis on those who are suffering under the Israeli military occupation.

The celebration in Bethlehem University was attended by hundreds of students over three days. It was full of a wide range of activities, including  several events related to the Palestinian woman’s role in society.

Ms. May Jaber, one of the organizers of the event, said it was significant because it allowed members of the Bethlehem University community to think about the important women in their lives.

“Through education Palestinian women can be successful and prove their important role in the society,” said Ms. Jaber. “What helped me  to be a successful woman is the support of my family.”

Ms. Jaber said Bethlehem University faculty, students and staff, including the Student Senate, worked hand-in-hand to ensure the celebrations accurately represented Palestinian women. The event was based on  recognizing, thanking, and, most of all, honoring Palestinian women.

Norma Musleh, one of Bethlehem University’s longest-serving faculty members, officially opened the Women’s Day celebration by cutting a ribbon leading into Sansour Hall, where an art show with paintings by local women was on display for three days.  As well, a selection of handicrafts and food prepared by local women was also available for sale.

Following this, there was a screening of the film Maserat Nidal.  The film, about a woman forced to move from one village to another because of the Israeli occupation, emphasizes the importance of education in the Palestinian context.  Later, a session called “The Role of the Palestinian women in conveying culture and tradition from one generation to another” was chaired by Dr.Fihaa Abd El Hadi .

The following day, the celebration continued with a screening of the film Aziza, about an elderly Palestinian woman who describes her suffering following Nakba, the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in 1948.  Afterwards, hundreds of students sat outside at the amphitheatre to watch a fashion show of  traditional Palestinian clothes. The second day concluded with a poetry recital.

The last day of the celebration was full of attention-grabbing activities, beginning with a beautiful classical music performance by members of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music.  This was followed by a contemporary dance routine performed by  Bethlehem University students Reham Ishaq and Christine Hodali . And, true to tradition, a group of six female students performed a classic folk Palestinian dabkeh dance. 

After her dance number, Christine said she was very proud to be on stage and she encouraged more women to become involved in the arts.  “There are many talented Palestinian women who are hiding behind the curtains,” she said. “Our society does not permit the woman to present herself and her ability on stage.”  

Later, some Bethlehem University students, Samar Sabat , Fatmah Ebedat and Inas Banoura, presented some of their poems in Arabic and English and Nadine Shomali sang several songs.

The celebration concluded with the presentation of awards to several of Bethlehem University’s longest-serving female staff members. 

Bethlehem University would like to thank the many sponsors and supporters of the successful event.