March is Women’s History Month, and Ramadan falls between Feb. 18 and March 19. To commemorate both of these observations, NC State Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) hosted an Iftar and a general body meeting to discuss women in resistance on March 12.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as it is one of the five pillars of Islam. They are not permitted to eat or drink anything (yes, that includes water). Iftar is the meal Muslims break their fast with, and it is often a time for family and friends to come together.

The Iftar celebration hosted by SJP was held in the lobby of the 1911 Building. Members of the community, students and staff came together not just for a meal, but also for reflection on the empowerment of women throughout history and in their personal lives.

There were photos and accompanying descriptions of iconic women in resistance on the far side of the room done to provide participants a better understanding of women’s roles in protest and progress globally. There was a prominent focus on female activists for Palestinian liberation, including Dalal Al-Mugharbi and Soha Bechara, and American political activists who fought against racism, such as Angela Davis and Assata Shakur.

There were also pictures of women who had been killed as a result of Israel’s occupation in Gaza. These women were doctors, students, and even young children, such as Hind Rajab, who was killed at just 6 years old.

Juliette Majid, a second-year doctoral candidate in chemistry and a member of SJP, took the time to discuss the event’s objectives in greater detail.

“March 8 was International Women’s Day, so we wanted to create a time and a space to really encapsulate all of the working women across Palestine and also across the U.S. and globally, who have revolutionized movements and work to allow for liberation and changes across the globe,” Majid said.

“We really wanted to take this moment to create space within the community and be able to fundraise and also just celebrate these powerful women who have changed the way that all of our movements have interacted across time.”

The attendees shared their personal reflections after the event. Bisan Abukhalaf, a first-year student studying Nutrition Sciences, expressed appreciation for her mother and the way she brings inspiration to her.

“It’s really motivating to see how she was able to get through all of these struggles throughout her life, and she was still able to succeed. So I feel that I should definitely use her story to encourage me to keep going, even if times are tough,” Abukhalaf said.

Benjamin Pulgar, a fourth-year doctoral candidate studying sociology, was particularly interested in educating himself further on female revolutionaries. He also shared insights into his journey of acknowledging his role in empowering women.

“I think that the best thing that I, as a male, can do is to recognize how patriarchy manifests in me, and to question assumptions that I have about the gendered world, and about the ways in which I’m put on a pedestal, and my experience is centered, while women’s are marginalized … I reflect on my communication.”

“I’ve been to therapy before, all for the sake of wanting to be, not just closer to myself, but closer to the women around me that have given me life, and that are humans and people, and should be treated as such, not just as tokens,” Pulgar said.

Ramma Ali, a first-year student studying mechanical engineering, said that she found empowerment in her mother, her sister and Maryam (Alayha Salam). Maryam is a revered figure in Islam. She also said there are steps she would like to take to better empower those around her.

“I feel like I’m a very kind person, but I can always be kinder, and I can always be more positive thinking and more optimistic for people, and just always going out of my way to help people regardless.”           

Jac Michel, a member of Durham’s Mothers for Ceasefire, attended not only to raise aid donations for families in Gaza but also to show her support for student movements.

“I feel like it was very important just to be in your space and uplift what you guys are doing tonight. Tonight, you guys are highlighting radical, incredible, powerful women and girls who are no longer here with us, and I just wanted to be in good company.”

When it comes to empowering women, Michel believed it is best to always grant a voice to the voiceless.

“We can always be doing better to amplify and lift the voices of our sisters…as genocide continues to progress around the world, and genocide against women and girls continues to progress around the world. It is our active duty to protect each other all day, every day, and that is creating safe, sacred spaces like this — respecting each other’s autonomy,” she said.

SJP offered participants opportunities to make a difference through multiple donation channels. Henna designs were offered, with all proceeds going to tent kindergartens within Gaza. There was also artwork and pins sold, with proceeds benefiting a young girl in Gaza who is trying to provide food and supplies, not just for herself, but also for her family.

Even if one couldn’t donate, there was also a board present for people to write messages to those in Gaza. The board was filled with inspirational words, most of which called for a liberated Palestine and to keep spirits high in such uncertain times.

Majid assured that SJP has intentions to provide more spaces for discussion and reflection on female empowerment. “We’re hoping to have, at the end of March, a panel of women from the community to talk about women in resistance as well, in addition to tonight’s events. It’ll be, a two-part series … we’re excited for folks to keep joining us.”

Majid also shared her personal expectations and hopes for the guests that evening, “I would love if attendees could take away some of the names and the stories that are posted up on the walls…all these amazing women who worked not only to liberate themselves from the patriarchy, but also to liberate themselves from imperialism and colonialism.”

“Any of the women here, or any of the people here, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, can learn from their experiences and also motivate themselves to do similar work.”