In places where political participation feels distant and out of reach, “Your Right is to Participate” dared to start a conversation that many had never been invited to before. Led by Sawaed19’s Qaf Team, this initiative wasn’t just about voter education, it was a grassroots act of empowerment. Set in Beit Lahya, Gaza, and designed for women who are often left out of decision-making spaces, the initiative created room for dialogue, courage, and transformation. In a region burdened by political exclusion and social barriers, this program reminded us that participation is not just a right, it’s a reclaiming of power, voice, and visibility.
📍 Location: Beit Lahya, Gaza
📅 Date: September 2023
✍️ By: Mahmoud Faqawi, Sawaed19 Qaf Team – Social Leader
At Qaf Team, we believe in planting seeds where hope feels most fragile.
That’s why our initiative, “Your Right is to Participate” (من حقك تشاركي), was never just about elections—it was about reclaiming space, voice, and choice for women in one of the most marginalized corners of Gaza.
This three-day initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Shiam Institute and key local partners such as Beit Lahya Municipality, Zeina Charity, Palestinian Red Crescent, and the Future Development Commission, brought together 20 women from underserved communities who had never before sat in a room to discuss their political rights.
💡 How We Did It
The training, led by Mr. Mahmoud Faqawi, was designed to be immersive.
- Day 1 tackled legal rights under Palestinian law, with honest, vulnerable discussions.
- Day 2 transformed the room into a simulated election campaign, bringing theory to life.
- Day 3 linked these women to local institutions through an advocacy networking circle, planting roots for future engagement.
And yes, we did this with 3 volunteers, zero financial budget, and 100% belief.
🌟 What We Learned
Even in the harshest conditions, knowledge is empowering, and when you create space for women to speak, they don’t just raise their voices; they raise their communities.
Most of the participants said it was their first time attending a civic training. By the final day, they were mapping local challenges, forming coalitions, and drafting their own “community charters.”
“I never thought my opinion mattered in elections. But today, I feel like I’m seen.” – Participant, Beit Lahya
🙌 Gratitude and Reflection
This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the trust of the Shiam Institute, the logistical support of our local partners, and the volunteers who made every moment count. It proved that change doesn’t always need funding—it needs purpose, vision, and people who care.
We’re not just building skills—we’re cultivating courage.
This was just one of five initiatives launched by Qaf Team this year. Stay tuned as we share the rest of our journey across Gaza and the West Bank, one impact story at a time.
