Aisheh Awajneh
Posted on | October 27, 2008 | No Comments
Director of Department of Labor for Jericho and Jordan Valley
Laborers constitute 80 percent of the Palestinian adult society and unemployment is also at 80 percent. This is dangerous. It produces social, economic, health, and psychological diseases as well as poverty. It is like a ghost that threatens us.
Unemployment is the most difficult issue facing the Ministry of Labor, and the occupation, roadblocks, and closures increase unemployment.
Do you have programs to reduce poverty? What about the donors’ role to give aid for such programs?
Unfortunately, we still suffer from the consequences of the embargo on funds to Palestine. It was difficult to receive our salaries, and laborers who depended totally on donors’ programs were in an even more difficult situation. Our programs to help the poorest, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, were all frozen. We still do not have the necessary funds to set up developmental projects.
I hear cases each day that make me feel pain. I try to play the role of social and psychological specialist. There’s not much else we can do. We try to negotiate with supporting institutions to reduce their conditions so that loans can be given out to people to start small businesses for their livelihoods. However, often these institutions fail to respond.
Is it difficult as a woman to be Director of a regional ministry?
Everyone was surprised and wondered how a woman could run an institution like this. The number of women allowed to prove themselves in the labor market is very small, but I want to reassure women we can prove ourselves in all areas. Nothing makes us less than men. We have open minds and we administer programs professionally and efficiently.
I am one of the founders of the Ministry of Labor in 1994. We started with one room and then expanded the department. At first, the Director who promised me the job on my predecessor’s retiring gave the job to another man. However, I used all means to exert pressure and protest. I made the case that as a woman I have important capabilities. An alternative or exceptions should not be looked for because of my gender. I can do the job. It was clear challenge, but I succeeded at the end. I became the director of the department.
I am a woman who opened her eyes and found her profession. A woman must have will and courage and belief in herself. She must be able to face all pressures and challenges in order to prove herself as a woman and a human being. Then she can play a beneficial role for her family, society, country, and herself.
The difficult conditions transform Palestinian women into leaders. They force the personality of a leader to emerge. My personality is a reflection of the suffering of women in Palestine. We are instinctual fighters for better lives. I pray women will not be marginalized after the political and social struggle.
In general, is it difficult for women to survive in the current job market?
The situation of women joining the labor market is painful. The number of women
in the labor market who found openings to fulfilling careers is very small. I am sure there are women who are better than me but they have not been given the chance to prove themselves.
How have you given back to women through your position as head of a Ministry?
As a woman, I feel for women’s suffering and troubles on personal, institutional, and social levels. We all part of a society. We are restricted by the system of traditions, values, and habits, the economic conditions of the general society, and by our personal circumstances. Throughout my career, I have focused on improving job situation of women in the public sector. I have always supported women’s appointment in the government and encouraged improvement in employed women’s working conditions.
What is your message to the women of the world?
To all women in the world, I say, “Unite, and focus on women’s priorities.” To all men, I say, “Cooperate with women. We can support each other and enjoy a better life.” To world leaders, I say, “Cooperation and love can solve problems.” I ask leaders to apply the law of love to end all conflicts. If there is love between people, they will build social virtues and peace.
Is it possible for Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace?
The problem is they occupy us. When the occupation ends, and our state is established, we can create institutions and improve human rights that develop Palestinians and our society. Then we will undoubtedly work with Israelis on personal and institutional levels. Stability, along with other positive social conditions, will make it possible to live together in peace, respect, and love.
<blockquote>Awajneh, the first woman to head a regional department in the Palestinian Ministry of Labor, brings a strong personality and a belief in equal rights for women to her work. Awajneh, handicapped by poliomyelitis as a young child, is unmarried and considers all Palestinian youth as her daughters and sons. Awajneh has an MA in psychology and works daily to help the unemployed in the economically depressed municipality.</blockquote>
