Shatha Al Essawi: Communications & Public Relations Officer

Shatha is our Communications and PR Officer in Gaza. She has overcome many obstacles and shares her wisdom ahead of #InternationalWomensDay

 

My mother used to say to me, ‘whenever you experience injustice, take it as an opportunity to improve yourself’. As a Palestinian woman injustice comes in many guises; I was born and raised in the Gaza Strip, one of the most populous and deprived areas on this earth, but despite my surroundings, I have always fought for my rights, my dreams and my family.

I am Shatha Fayez Al-Essawi. I am 29 years old and work as a Communications and Public Relations Officer in Interpal’s Gaza Field Office. I recently married and now have three beautiful children. I have fought throughout my life to pave a way for myself as a career woman but now I know that I must fight for my family to have the same educational and professional opportunities as me.

I would say that Palestinian women are strong in nature and young women today are focused on their goals and how to break down boundaries in order to find success. I am proud to be one of these women and want to inspire others to follow in our footsteps. Now that I am settled and secure I realise that despite our struggle it is good to take time to recognize the positive changes that we have made and the moments of beauty and peace in amongst our daily lives. I struggled all my life to get what I want, and now that I have achieved my dreams my only wish is to help others.