Tips for Women Travelers to Palestine: As a woman looking to travel and study in Palestine or abroad, there are some extra considerations that may be taken into account. First and foremost, women can and have traveled alone to Hebron, Palestine in the past and the Excellence Center has never experienced any problems with gender-based violence.
That being said, women volunteers and travelers should expect some differences in what they can and cannot do and how interactions take place in Palestine compared to their home country.
Additionally, Female travelers to the Middle East and Islamic countries, in general, might obviously have some reservations. The expected role of women and their place in society is obviously different than it is in the West, this difference is largely based on Islamic law and local customs. In Palestine, while Islam is a central pillar of life here, women though need not worry.
Here you may find a couple of tips and advice for Women Travelers to Palestine
- People in Palestine are nice and welcoming
Overwhelmingly, the people in Palestine are incredibly nice and welcoming. Regardless of your gender, if you are lost or require assistance in finding your way, the people in Palestine will help you as best as they can. While traveling around the city in the daylight, women should be safe.
- Respect
Of course, their experiences in Palestine may differ from men, but this does not make their journey any less valuable nor should it be a cause of any concern. Like traveling anywhere in the world – simple common sense and respect for Palestinian society are all that is needed.
- At the night hours
In the night hours, it is best for women to travel in a group or with a partner. However, this is not to say that you will not be singled out for your differences.
- Alcohol in Hebron, Palestine
Of course, the absence of alcohol in Hebron (and in other cities such as Nablus) means there is never going to be drunk young men roaming the streets – in Ramallah this is different and some volunteers have expressed their preference in getting a taxi around at night time.
- Crime?
However, like all Palestinians cities, crime is generally quite low and the preference to get a taxi around towns abuzz with bars and clubs like Ramallah is a reality that exists all over the world.
You can check out the latest crime statistics at the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics here.
- Wear traditional Muslim dress
If you are a foreigner and do not wear traditional Muslim dress, you will most likely stand out and you may notice people staring and even have strangers try to talk to you.
While these things do happen, they are generally harmless and are no cause to worry or to feel unsafe. More often than not, it is simply out of curiosity and interest that these exchanges occur.
- Women Travelers to Palestine reside with homestay families
As for accommodations for the women volunteers and travelers, the Excellence Center requires that they reside with homestay families. Generally, these families are wonderful people who often make you feel as though you are a part of the family as well.
Having a safe place to stay takes a lot of pressure off of the women travelers and offers a great way to get to know and be introduced to some members of the community.
- At the Center
Most of your time outside of the host family’s house will be spent working at the Excellence Center where relations between the men and women are friendly, relaxed, and include a lot of joking and friendly conversations.
Stereotypes of gender relations do not apply in the Excellence Center, where men and women cook, clean, teach, and learn together.
- What to wear as Women in Palestine
A few extra considerations should be mentioned for women travelers. While it is perfectly acceptable to not wear any head coverings, there are some clothing articles that are not allowed or may be less common. Many Muslim women refrain from wearing tight-fitting clothes here.
While it is not forbidden, women should note that it is not common. Additionally, most women do not wear short-sleeved shirts.
Again, it is perfectly acceptable for foreign women to wear t-shirts, but you should be aware of the cultural norms that exist here. Shorts, however, are forbidden for both men and women. When alone with your homestay family, however, it is acceptable to wear whatever you want.
- Culture Clash
For women travelers to Palestine, there will sometimes be cases that could best be described as a bit of a culture clash. While Palestine is a region of the world largely defined in the West through unfair stereotypes separate from reality, the West, and Western women, are also subject to some of these stereotypes – stereotypes are a factor of life everywhere.
While these instances may occur, it is important to understand they will very rarely turn violent – of course, that is a possibility anywhere – but it is important to stress it need not be a constant source of tension for female travelers to Palestine.
As one volunteer in Palestine at the Excellence Center explained, she did notice that men would stare more than they do back in her home country (the USA), and while some men made advances, they never went too far, most often they were simply over-eager teenagers with a good dose of confidence.
In conclusion
Being a woman in Palestine should not deter any travelers or volunteers from coming to the West Bank, Palestine. It is an amazing opportunity to experience a new culture and learn a new language.
The generosity and kindness of the Palestinian people easily overcome any extra challenges that may exist. Perhaps one of the biggest surprises will be not how differently women are treated here, but rather how equally they are treated.
Final remark
Traveling to Palestine as a woman would offer a chance to learn and help others while making friends and picking up Arabic along the way. We hope you enjoy reading the Tips for Women Travelers to Palestine.
Any questions
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact at Rafat@excellencenter.org
Whatsapp:+972599479880
For more information, please visit our website: https://excellencenter.org
Excellence Center’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Excellence Center’s Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron
Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg
Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine
