Since I was 16, when I first became aware of my besieged world, I’ve been determined to be a leader in my community and a representative of Palestinian youth. We need to raise our voices to reach the wider world, meeting and confronting  decision-makers so we can change our lives for the better.

Learning to use my voice

Knowing you have a voice is one thing, however;  using it is another. It took me years to become a strong girl who is never afraid of speaking in front of people. In Gaza, there aren’t many opportunities to learn how to do so; I have had to teach myself. As part of that self-instruction, I attended workshops and events, then returned with their lessons to practice with my family. Throughout this process, I discovered that my peaceful manner is a strength; it allows me to facilitate a productive dialogue.

In the last year, after working hard on developing self-confidence and exprience in civic engagement, I became a member of the Social Development Forum. This was the turning point for me. The forum gives youth the chance to speak and share their opinions. It was the Social Development Forum that enabled me to be a part of Youth Summit 2021 as an interlocutor on the issue of “Representation of Youth and Women in Local Bodies.”

After all these years, my dream became true; I could put my training into practice. I prepared and presented a fact sheet on women and youth, and the barriers they face when trying to become active citizens. My presentation would be part of a session on Dialogue and Accountability for decision-makers in the Gaza Strip.

The day of the Youth Summit came. The responsibility of representing other youth and women effectively weighed on me. I didn’t know what the reaction of the decision-makers would be. Would they really hear me? Would they interrupt or cut me off? I had no experience to guide me.

Speaking out

I stood before the decision-makers, holding my papers in my hand. The discussion began, and I presented the information I had prepared. I reached inside, to my soul, and tapped into my inner leader.

I told them what we face as youth and as women. I offered recommendations on how to improve our community’s situation. We then listened to the decision-makers, who gave their own points of view and explained the challenges they themselves face.

As I listened to the other youth presenting at the summit, I realized that my generation is becoming more aware of its rights and duties. Contrary to the stereotype of careless youth, it’s apparent that we care and want to be part of the solution; we just need a chance.

Being brave

This experience has been a highlight of my life thus far, and has renewed my determination to not be silent. I must be aware of what’s happening around me and give my opinion. I’ve realized I have a lot to offer to these discussions.

I must be brave. The president of the Gaza municipality took notes on our recommendations and pledged to form a council of 20 young people. This council will observe the ministry’s work and participate in decision making. I believe in my ability to make change, and it’s incumbent on all youth to do the same.

This event encouraged me to do my best for my fellow youth. Since then, I have become a member of the Youth Advisory Panel — with members from all over Palestine — and this position enables me to sit with decision-makers who visit Gaza from all over the world, sharing our perspective on what we need.

Palestinian youth have a great power. We just need to use our energy and follow our dreams.