The first scientific webinar was set in motion by the Center of Oral History and Palestinian Heritage in the Faculty of Arts at the Islamic University of Gaza. It focused on oral history and collective memory from a feminist perspective. The webinar, which was held via Google Meet, was hosted by Dr. Faiha Qasim Abdel-Hadi, the director of Al Rowat Foundation for Studies and Research, and attended by a group of interested parties and researchers, including Professor Riad Shahin, a professor in the Department of History and Archeology and the head of the conference’s preparatory committee.
The meeting aimed to highlight the importance of oral history and its role in preserving the heritage of the Arab nation by rewriting contemporary history and addressing the origins of narration and official documents. The discussion also brought up how important it is, especially on International Women’s Day, to consider the feminist nature of women’s fights against colonialism and tyranny. Dr. Abdel-Hadi added, “Women did not obtain this day except after bitter struggles, whether they were political, legal, or union-related.”
She also stressed the importance of adopting oral traditions as equally significant as written sources in history, subject to historical criticism. She also pointed out that people make history, and those who write history are those who hold power. Therefore, written history often belongs to the victors, which makes oral history all the more important as it provides an alternative perspective on historical events.
Dr. Abdel-Hadi shared the methodology used by the Al Rowat Foundation in documenting the roles of Palestinian women, known as the feminist oral history methodology. This approach involves listening patiently and consciously, sharing their situations and stories, and dealing with narrators through the Palestinian displacement project at Al Rowat Foundation to preserve Palestinian memory and contribute to its enrichment.
The meeting was the first of several preparatory meetings organized by the Oral History Center in the lead-up to the Second International Scientific Conference scheduled for October 9–10, 2023. The conference will bring together experts and researchers to discuss the role of oral history in preserving cultural heritage and advancing historical understanding.
As the world continues to grapple with issues of colonialism, oppression, and power, the importance of feminist oral history and collective memory cannot be overstated. The meeting was a timely reminder of the need to consider alternative perspectives and voices in the construction of historical narratives. With the Second International Scientific Conference just months away, the stage is set for a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion on the role of oral history in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
