Gaza, Gender, and the Age of Obama

15 Pages Posted: 25 Mar 2011

See all articles by Adrien K. Wing

Adrien K. Wing

University of Iowa - College of Law

Samuel P. Nielson

Crowell & Moring, Associate Attorney

Abstract

President Obama stated during his presidential campaign: “Nobody is suffering more than the Palestinian people.” The situation for all Gazans remains dire. Adrien Wing and Samuel Nielson advocate for gender issues not to be left out of whatever developments do occur. When a general project is being planned, emphasis on female needs as well as male needs should be conceptualized and implemented. With careful attention the United States must not be perceived as advantaging women over men, or as implementing western “feminist” principles in this Muslim nation.

The authors call on the Obama administration to act decisively to improve conditions in Gaza in light of Israel's recent crushing offensive. Part I of this article proposes that the United States engage in diplomatic relations with Hamas. Part II examines economic development and education, looking at what the United States has done regarding these areas and suggests actions the Obama administration should take concerning the status of women in Gaza. Part III discusses constitutionalism in Palestine, specifically addressing the Basic Law of 2002 and the Draft Constitution and language pertaining to gender. Part IV concludes with suggestions as to what the Obama administration might do within the current Palestinian legal framework.

Keywords: Hamas, Détente, Middle East Détente, Gaza, Gaza Human Rights, gender, dialogue, Palestinian women, Palestinian gender issues, State building, overcoming discrimination, reform, critical race feminism, Basic Law 2002

JEL Classification: K10, K49, K30, K39

Suggested Citation

Wing, Adrien Katherine and Nielson, Samuel P., Gaza, Gender, and the Age of Obama. Rutgers Law Record, Vol. 36, p. 150, 2009, U Iowa Legal Studies Research Paper No. 11-14, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1747179

Adrien Katherine Wing (Contact Author)

University of Iowa - College of Law ( email )

410 blb
Iowa City, IA 52242
United States
319-335-9129 (Phone)
319-335-9098 (Fax)

Samuel P. Nielson

Crowell & Moring, Associate Attorney ( email )

Orange County Office
3 Park Plaza, 20th Floor
Irvine, CA 92614
United States
(949) 263-8400 (Phone)

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