“Migration from the Real World to the Virtual World”

Women Support Center, Nablus: Empowering Women Through Education and Support.
The Women Support Center in Nablus has recently been at the forefront of addressing critical issues affecting women through a series of impactful activities and collaborations. One of the standout events was a workshop titled "Migration from the Real World to the Virtual World," which focused on the increasing issue of electronic addiction and its impact on women's lives.
The workshop, facilitated by Psychologist Abeer Sharaf, Legal Consultant Ata Al-Araj, and Social Specialist Mais Al-Qaisi, brought together 16 women of various ages. The session began with Social Specialist Mais Al-Qaisi breaking the ice and engaging participants in a brainstorming session. Psychologist Abeer Sharaf then delved into the concept of electronic addiction, explaining its detrimental effects on women's psychological and social well-being. She highlighted how social media can alter behavior and foster addiction. Legal Consultant Ata Al-Araj provided valuable insights into staying safe online, protecting oneself from electronic blackmail, and navigating the legal procedures related to cybercrimes. The use of visual aids, including a projector and brochures, made the session more engaging and informative.
The workshop concluded with a lively discussion, where many participants acknowledged their tendencies towards social media addiction. This realization led to several important recommendations, such as promoting positive parenting to boost children's confidence, teaching online protection skills, and organizing more workshops on similar topics.
Beyond this workshop, the Women support Center has been actively engaging with various institutions to strengthen community support systems. A visit to An-Najah Hospital's psychological support department resulted in an agreement to collaborate on providing integrated community services. Another significant interaction involved the Nablus Governorate's Institution Protection Network, where discussions on family awareness, cybercrimes, and domestic violence led to plans for future initiatives and specialist training.
The center's involvement in a workshop at the Palestinian Counseling Center highlighted the importance of referral pathways for women survivors of violence. This event aimed to activate the National Referral System No. 28-2022, emphasizing the role of different institutions in offering comprehensive community services. Additionally, the center has committed to conducting awareness workshops in collaboration with the Palestinian Women's Union Committees, addressing prominent community issues and challenges.
Participating in the Global Action Week for Education, the center also engaged in a seminar on transformative education, discussing its role in enhancing the educational process, especially under challenging circumstances. Further outreach included introducing the center's services to the Palestinian Bar Association and discussing potential cooperation with Al-Quds Open University to support educational and vocational training for students.
In another notable engagement, the center's legal consultant provided expertise at a case conference organized by the Nablus Governorate, alongside representatives from the Palestinian police and social counselors, offering legal solutions to complex cases. The month concluded with a workshop at the Women's Counseling Center, focusing on women's protection from violence and advocating for legal reforms to address domestic violence.
Through these diverse activities, the Women support Center in Nablus continues to empower women, fostering a safer and more supportive community. Their dedication to education, legal support, and social well-being demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women today.