By Abeer Ayyoub
Sometimes, it’s the ordinary aspects of life that are most worth photographing. With this photo series, we wanted to highlight some of the faces you don’t normally see in the mainstream media. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that each of these women has proven, in her own way, to be resilient in the face of the sweeping hardships that affect their community in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Deema Shushaa, 27, works as a glass painter in Gaza and owns her own shop. Though getting raw materials can be very difficult due to the Israeli-imposed restrictions on imports and the taxes imposed by the Gaza and West Bank governments, Deema told me she’s very passionate about her work. She loves knowing that her work can go places that she can’t — and often serves as a souvenir and reminds customers of Gaza.
Madleen Kullab, 25, is the only fisherwoman (that she knows of) in Gaza. It’s hard work, and harder since the fishing industry has been in decline recently. She brought her notes to the waterfront because she is studying for her exams, and wants to find work in the future as a secretary. Madleen’s father was a fisherman before he got sick, and since she was the eldest child, she had to take up fishing to provide for the family. Sometimes people make comments, but it doesn’t bother her. “I’m free to do whatever I want,” she said.
Natasha, 37, is a music teacher at the only musical institute in Gaza. Natasha derives a lot of satisfaction from her work, as she believes it helps her students forget about the difficult conditions of everyday life.
Areej AbuEid, 24, is a resident of Al Nusairat refugee camp in Gaza. For as long as she could remember, Areej wanted to be a director. After studying journalism and public relations with an emphasis in film, she made several short films about women in Gaza and the societal constraints they encounter, and showed them at a film festival in Norway. However, due to financial constraints, Areej has had to look elsewhere for her income. She currently works as a receptionist at one of the oldest hotels in Gaza City, the Marna House Hotel and Restaurant.
Maysoon Thabet, 29, runs a pharmacy in Gaza City. She handles every aspect of the day-to-day business for the owner, and told me she feels fortunate to have her job. Unemployment rates in Gaza are sky-high.
Nour Nabeeh, 28, manages a physiotherapy clinic. Nour says people in Gaza don’t have a culture of taking care of their bodies, but this is something she wants to change.
Amal Abu Nahla, 50, recently achieved her dream of opening her own restaurant, which is called Zaman, or “Time.” Amal runs the restaurant with the help of her husband and children. The musakhan (a Palestinian dish made of roast chicken, spices and onions served over bread) and sumaqiyya (a meat stew made with sumac and tahina) are especially delicious.
Abeer Ayoub is a photojournalist who was based in Gaza but recently relocated to Oxford. Follow her on Twitter here.
