Awareness Campaign against Honor Killing

1. Awareness Campaign against Honor Killing Shefaa Khamaisi – Arab 48 • The Problem: • Arabian women inside Israel are facing a double discrimination. In a patriarchal society that is trying to keep its primitive customs, men practice all kind of violence against women, that in some cases might lead to killing. • Some Facts: • In 2010, 10 Arabian women were killed. (Arabs are 20% of the population) • Annually about 2000 Arab women file a complaint with the police for domestic violence. • In 2009, 2040 cases were reported to the police by women. • The punishment for honor killing is less than “ordinary” killing. And, the police try to “stay out of it”. • Surveys that were held in schools show that kids find it right and can be justified. Measures: The results can be measured by: Surveys, Questionnaires, Observations and hopefully change in the mentality of men. Finally to sense the empowerment of women in the Arab society. Collaborators: This is an issue that local women associations would very much support, such as: Al-siwar, women against violence and Itach-maa’ki association. In addition we need the approval of the board of education to convey the activates in schools. Objective: School children will understand that women and men are equal and killing in all cases is wrong. They will help educate their parents. Activities: Develop a play to have children perform, and hold workshops and play card games that can help the school children conclude the lessons in a “gentle” way. The activities will differ from one grade to another and the information will be different and suitable to the age of the children. So that finally…. Arabian women can defend themselves by creating the safe environment for that and to make them understand that: “Those who do not move, do not notice their chains” (Rosa Luxemburg)