![The UN-funded toy-making project Zayna Cooperative Society empowers women socially and economically in north Gaza. Together they use carpentry and intricate sewing skills to create these cute little toys in Palestine on 20 December 2018 [Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/toymaking20181220_2_34032915_40052860.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
The head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege of Gaza has said that with unemployment among Palestinian women standing at 80 per cent, they must be given outlets for their abilities. Jamal Al-Khudari MP made his comments in a statement issued on International Women’s Day.
He explained that the suffering of Palestinian women is double that of others, and yet they continue giving and sacrificing. Israeli policies, he added, continue to affect Palestinian women disproportionately.
“Palestinian women take care of their husbands and children while suffering from the effects of the Israeli siege in Gaza, Israeli settlements and the apartheid wall in the occupied West Bank, and detention and deportation in occupied Jerusalem.”
Al-Khudari reiterated the importance of getting Palestinian women engaged in political life. “Women’s participation in the Palestinian elections is important,” he insisted. “We have seen several success stories involving women at the political and national levels.” The veteran politician wants to see many more.