Oppression, resistance, and radical love: Lessons from Palestinian feminists as a path to healing

This paper examines the pivotal role of Palestinian feminist activism in resisting settler-colonial violence and ongoing genocidal practices in Palestine. Utilizing decolonial theoretical frameworks and qualitative data from interviews with Palestinian feminists, the study explores how feminist praxis serves as a mechanism for both individual and collective survival, as well as psychological healing. This analysis critically engages with the shortcomings of Western feminist movements, particularly their complicity in colonial and imperial projects, and highlights the failure to fully address the interconnected dynamics of gender, race, and colonialism. The research emphasizes the necessity of reorienting global feminist solidarity to prioritize decolonial and anti-imperialist approaches. The findings illustrate how Palestinian feminism, through community building and decolonial practices, fosters resilience and offers a framework for addressing systemic violence. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on decolonial feminism by positioning Palestinian liberation as central to the broader feminist struggle for justice and equity.