The Role of Muslim Women’s Associations in Educating Palestinian Women for the Development of the Local Community in the Governorates of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of Muslim women’s associations

in the Governorates of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah, in educating

the Palestinian women for the advancement of the community, through

answering the following questions:

1. What is the role of Muslim women’s associations in the Governorates of

Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah in the advancement of the Palestinian

community?

2. What is the role of Muslim women’s associations in the Governorates

of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah in educating the Palestinian

women?

3. What are the major programs carried out by Muslim women’s associations

in the Governorates of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah?

4. What are the major obstacles facing Muslim women’s associations in the

Governorates of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah?

The population of the study consisted of all (15) Muslim Women

Association, distributed in the Governorates of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and

Ramallah. To achieve the objective of the study a questionnaire was developed,

and an interview.

The study found that the women’s associations contribute to solving

the economic problems of women. All the associations are playing an

important role at the social level first, then the religious side, cultural and,

finally, educational. The major programs implemented by the associations of

women were religious awareness, recreational activities, while establishing

a nursery for children of the least interesting achievements. The major

obstacles faced by women’s associations were financial, political, social and,

finally, management. The most important achievement was the establishment

of associations centers teaching the Holy Quran, and the establishment of

educational centers for women and girls, to enable them to cope with life.