By Leandra Hettenbach | Resource Development
Dear Friends,
Thank you for believing in Kayan Feminist Organization. Your support helps us to expand our reach and the projects that we launch. The Palestinian women in this organization are working every day to realize their rights in the wake of multiple crises, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis.
The following are some of the achievements you contributed to:
Kayan’s support hotline: During the last months, we assisted women in about 70 individual cases through our holistic support hotline. Often, a single case requires intensive emotional and legal support. About 41% of women who reached out had been sexually harassed or assaulted, while 39% of women were confronting violence of some sort – including domestic violence. So far, 45% of women who contacted Kayan for legal consultations have proceeded to take further action in claiming their legal rights - either by turning to the police, the court system or by requesting free legal services from the state. Each case has averaged about 9-10 calls. Each case receives holistic support and extensive follow-up to ensure the woman has the information and guidance they need to take action. It needs to be noted that most consultations are related to more than one overlapping issue and dimensions of violence. In addition, often a single case requires intensive emotional and legal support.
Kayan continued to work with the volunteers, including lawyers, that were recruited during the last year, in order to meet the increased demand. In addition to offering practical assistance (i.e., informational, and legal), Kayan's hotline continued making sure that women are fully heard and can obtain legal and emotional support.
Investment in our future: During the last months, we continued investing in youth, convinced that they could transform patriarchal society and deliver a better future for all of us. The local grassroots women’s groups’ decision to target youth is clearly reflected in their increased engagement. This is evident through the strong connection that has been established between local women's groups and youth in their communities. They meet frequently, and currently are planning our upcoming 16 Days Campaign of Activism. We are also pleased to share how youth are continuing their engagement in decision-making, representing 2 General Assembly members. As we look back on the months, youth activism and leadership have been successfully established and need to be strengthened for long-term success.
Paradigm shift – Boycott the killer: Another great achievement that illustrates the strength of our Fada Coalition’s is our 2021 June campaign. The campaign initiated a paradigm shift with its slogan Boycott the killer. The social media campaign aimed to raise awareness and social responsibility toward combatting femicides across borders, reaching 304231 people. In the light of indifferent judicial systems in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, the campaign aimed at putting an end to impunity by boycotting the murderers while embracing the families of the victims. The numbers of grassroots women activists reaching audiences via media and social media illustrate a high level of visibility to subvert traditional gender stereotypes, and to change their community’s perceptions and attitudes towards women.
We want to express our gratitude for all your support and partnership in ending violence against Palestinian women in Israel. We sincerely appreciate your support. With your help, long-term change is possible.
Gratefully,
The Kayan’s Team
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