Did you know...

Did you know that today is International Women's Day?

Did you know that in Palestine, women and most school children are given the day off from work and school?

Yesterday I joined hundreds of women (and a few men) of all ages in a parade and festival to celebrate women. We walked through the streets of Ramallah with women chanting everything from, 'No to polygamy! No to Hamas!' to 'Long live Abu Ammar' (late President Arafat).

Old women in traditional Palestinian dress held signs with young women in jeans and t-shirts. Women covered from head to foot held hands with those who reject the veil. Women who are likely one of several wives joined voices with women who oppose the tradition of a man having more than one wife.

It was truly a fascinating day. We walked through the streets together and then to the compound where Mahmoud Abbas lives. This is also were former President Arafat is buried. We saw Hanan Ashrawi chanting with her compatriots. And we even saw a man from Hamas marching with the women. (However, my friend Lucy told me that just when a woman was leading a chant about 'no to polygamy,' this man leaned over and said something to the effect of, 'you know that is a really inappropriate thing to say.' HA!)

Yet this is the way of things in Palestine. The ride to Ramallah, which should have taken about 30 minutes, took us close to 2 hours. On the way we passed through several cities that have been cut in half by the Separation Wall. While in Ramallah, I felt a mixture of pride (walking alongside strong, united women) and more anger (upon hearing what some of the men were saying), I must say that the way of things in Palestine (for me) is often extreme.

I will feel exuberant and alive one minute, frustrated and despairing the next.

After a day like yesterday though, I find hope and strength from the women of Palestine. Many mothers were attending this parade with their children, strollers and diaper bag in tow. The women here are stronger than I could ever imagine myself to be. They care for their families. They educate their children. They work outside the home. Some of them share households with other wives and other families.

In attempting to refrain from judgment of the woman's role in Palestine, I am left with the image of a woman veiled and smiling... triumphant and proud... holding hands with an unveiled woman who shares the same proud smile. They are daughters, they are sisters, they are wives, mothers, and friends... and to me they are the true heroes of Palestine.

Peace to you all, and especially the women in your lives,
Ashley