Unveiling the multifaceted struggle: intersectional feminism and critical consciousness in Palestinian women’s struggle and everyday resistance

Numerous studies have shed light on the many devastating impact of the Israeli military occupation in Palestine, that strips Palestinians of their fundamental human rights. However, the intricate layers of oppression intrinsic to the Israeli occupation, as all colonial systems, often remain overlooked in Western literature. There is a noticeable scarcity of exploration regarding the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality within the colonial framework. In light of this, we conducted a study infused with insights from intersectional feminist studies, decolonial approaches, and liberation psychology. More specifically, this work delved into the strategies employed by Palestinian women to resist and combat the simultaneous colonial and patriarchal forces that shape their lives and we investigated the role of feminist critical consciousness in this endeavor. Drawing from 21 research-discussions with Palestinian and internationally experienced feminist activists and researchers with connections to Palestine, we examined the perception and application of critical consciousness in the Palestinian context, encompassing both critical reflection and critical action. The study underscored the emancipatory potential of critical consciousness and its significant implications for the Palestinian struggle. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge surrounding the interplay between critical consciousness and resistance and their collective impact on the liberation and well-being of women in settler colonial contexts. The implications of our findings extend to research methodologies, policy formulation, and clinical practices, opening new avenues for understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Palestinian women within the occupied Palestinian territories.