In the first episode of the mini-series “Women of Gaza”, Gaza Up Close host Lital Firestone speaks with several young women in Gaza about their educational pursuits in and out of the Strip. Kholoud Jwefil, a Project Coordinator at Aisha Association of Women and Child Protection describes her inability to pursue a degree in women’s studies outside of the strip because of arbitrary permit regulations, and Gisha Executive Director Tania Hary provides some background on this separation policy. Rawan Yaghi, who works at the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme uses her experience studying abroad to emphasize the importance of young women in Gaza gaining independence and experience. Their journeys indicate a need for reform in higher education access in Gaza.

Music Credits: Middle Eastern Market by John Leonard French, Backed Vibes Clean by Kevin MacLeod, Tethered by Nctrnm, Edmond VI by Marco Trovatello