U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem Recognizes Disability Rights Activist Ola Abu Al-Ghaib as an International Woman of Courage

April 18, 2011

On April 18, American Consul General Daniel Rubinstein presented Ms. Ola Abu Al-Ghaib, Chairwoman of the Stars of Hope Society, with a special certificate in recognition of her efforts to improve the status of disabled women within the Palestinian Territories, while also raising awareness of their struggles regionally and globally. 

The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem hosted a ceremony honoring Ms. Abu Al-Ghaib as its nominee for the 2011 International Woman of Courage Award, an award established by the Department of State to recognize women around the world who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating women’s rights and advancement.  Consul General Rubinstein, speaking to an audience that included civic leaders, community activists, and educators stated, "Ola has surmounted significant obstacles in order to become one of the leading women's rights and disability rights activists in Palestine.  She is a source of inspiration for those whose lives she touches.  She seeks to transform the lives of women with disabilities, by empowering them to overcome discrimination, and restricted educational and professional opportunities."

Ms. Abu Al-Ghaib is the founder and chairwoman of the Stars of Hope Society for the Empowerment of Women with Disabilities (SHS), a Palestinian NGO that advocates for the rights of women with disabilities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  SHS is the first organization of its kind to focus entirely on training and advocacy for Palestinian women with disabilities.  SHS also seeks to empower women through vocational and professional skills.  On December 14, 2010, in partnership with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, Ms. Abu Al-Ghaib and SHS organized the first conference on the employment rights of women with disabilities in Ramallah. 

For more information please contact the U.S. Consulate’s Press Office at 02-622-6908 or 02-622-6909 or Hassna Dajani at 054-678-8455.