Our culture has been mostly a male dominated environment in which the woman has not been allowed much personal freedom, nor has she been able to express her ideas and identity outside her home. There have been exceptions  Hanan Ashrawi, author  of  "This Side of Peace" , portrays this awakening awareness on the part of Palestinian woman. She encourages a freedom of expression, participation in all levels of our society, and an awareness of women importance in our culture. The Palestinian people, both men and women, elected her as one of the 88 Representatives of the new Palestinian Legislative Council, in the first democratic election in the history of the Palestine nation.
    
Centuries of habits and customs cannot be changed overnight. There is much to admire in our respect for the woman, our love for her and our family, and our understanding of her desire for acceptance as an equal partner in the home and community. At the same time we know she has been subjected to the fears and frustrations of living under the oppressive conditions of the Israeli occupation. Thus AL WATAN offers opportunities for the release of these tensions, fears and frustrations, by providing workshops and activities for the women of our communities.