In 2019, a wave of feminist activism swept across Palestine, uniting women from Haifa to Jerusalem under the banner of Tal’at. Sparked by the brutal killing of Esra Ghareeb and escalating femicides, this grassroots movement emerged out of frustration with gender-based violence (GBV) and patriarchal oppression. Women took to the streets in unprecedented numbers, reclaiming public spaces and challenging both Palestinian patriarchy and Israeli colonialism. With its bold, direct tactics, Tal’at quickly became a powerful presence in Palestinian activism, refusing to conform to traditional feminist organizational structures.
Tal’at’s mobilizations, including marches and sit-ins in cities like Haifa, Ramallah, and Jerusalem, challenged both Palestinian patriarchy and Israeli state repression. The movement’s approach to feminist activism differed significantly from that of other Palestinian feminist efforts, which had often been institutionalized within NGOs tied to national liberation struggles.
However, despite its powerful presence, by 2025, the movement had largely faded from Palestinian streets. What challenges did Tal’at pose to conventional feminist activism? Why did the movement dissolve, and can it be considered a failed attempt at dismantling both patriarchy and colonialism in Palestine?
Tal’at’s Feminist Strategies: Breaking from the Traditional Framework
Tal’at’s strategies were deeply rooted in decolonial and intersectional feminism, a framework that linked GBV to broader systems of oppression, including Israeli colonialism and economic hardships. This approach argued that patriarchy was not only a local issue but was intricately tied to occupation. This perspective resonated with Palestinian scholars who have long advocated for a feminist framework that connects gender justice with colonial resistance (Sayigh, 2021).
In contrast to the more conventional feminist organizations, Tal’at rejected institutionalization and foreign funding, opting instead for grassroots mobilization and direct action. This rejection of NGO formalization was a defining feature of Tal’at, and while it preserved the movement’s integrity, it also created challenges in securing the financial and logistical resources needed for sustained activism. Palestinian feminist movements frequently face the challenge of striking a balance between radical independence and the institutional support required for long-term sustainability (Shalhoub-Kevorkian, 2019).
Comparative Analysis: Tal’at vs. Other Feminist Movements
Tal’at’s approach can be compared with similar feminist movements globally, shedding light on both its strengths and limitations. While Tal’at succeeded in mobilizing mass street protests, its limited engagement with political institutions and media contributed to its struggles in maintaining momentum and achieving concrete policy changes.
- The Women’s March (USA, 2017-Present): The Women’s March mobilized millions but later faced internal divisions and struggled to translate protests into policy changes. Like Tal’at, it encountered difficulties in maintaining its initial momentum.
- Ni Una Menos (Argentina, 2015-Present): This Latin American movement against femicide successfully pressured governments to introduce legal reforms, engaging with political institutions and using media campaigns to influence public opinion. Tal’at’s limited media engagement and reluctance to engage with political structures posed a significant barrier to achieving similar victories.
- Sudanese Women’s Revolution (2019): Sudanese women combined street activism with strategic political engagement, resulting in significant legal changes. Tal’at’s refusal to institutionalize, compounded by logistical challenges, made it difficult to achieve similar results in the face of colonial occupation and internal patriarchal resistance.
The comparative analysis suggests that Tal’at’s radical grassroots model, while powerful in generating awareness, faced limitations in securing policy changes without institutional engagement. However, its refusal to engage with traditional power structures was in direct contrast to the institutionalized strategies seen in other movements.
Why Did Tal’at Fade?
Several factors contributed to the decline of Tal’at, making it difficult for the movement to maintain its presence in Palestinian civic space:
- Lack of Institutional Support: Tal’at’s refusal to become an NGO or accept foreign funding preserved the movement’s grassroots integrity but left it without the resources necessary for long-term activism. This lack of sustainability contrasts with movements like Ni Una Menos, which combined direct action with media campaigns and policy advocacy.
- Repression and Social Backlash: Tal’at faced significant pushback, not only from conservative forces but also from some progressive nationalist groups that viewed gender activism as secondary to the anti-occupation struggle. This backlash from both patriarchal and political circles created an additional challenge for Tal’at’s momentum.
- Absence of Policy Engagement: Unlike feminist movements that have achieved legislative victories, Tal’at did not prioritize policy engagement, which limited its ability to push for legal reforms or concrete changes.
- Geopolitical Constraints: The fragmentation of Palestinian territories, coupled with the logistical barriers created by the Israeli occupation, hindered Tal’at’s ability to operate in a coordinated and sustained manner. The movement’s decentralized structure made it vulnerable to dissipation.
- The COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic forced Tal’at to shift to digital activism, disrupting physical protests. Although online platforms allowed for some continuity, the movement’s physical presence was significantly weakened.
Activist Reflections: Was Tal’at a Failed Movement?
While no official post-movement statements have been issued, reflections from past activists suggest mixed feelings. Some view Tal’at as a necessary radical experiment that challenged the status quo, while others acknowledge its limitations in achieving structural change. Former activists have expressed that the movement was essential in sparking crucial conversations about feminist resistance and gender-based violence, despite the absence of concrete legal reforms. Many women who participated in Tal’at continue to be active in smaller feminist initiatives, keeping its spirit alive in different forms. This ongoing participation highlights Tal’at’s enduring influence, even if its visible presence in the streets has diminished.
Conclusion: Lessons for Future Feminist Movements
Tal’at’s experience offers several key lessons for feminist movements in Palestine and beyond:
- Balancing Radicalism and Sustainability: Grassroots movements must strike a balance between radical independence and the need for institutional support to ensure long-term sustainability. While Tal’at’s rejection of institutionalization preserved its radical stance, it ultimately hindered its ability to sustain itself.
- The Importance of Intersectionality: Addressing GBV in occupied Palestine requires an approach that links gender justice with broader struggles against colonialism and economic inequality. Tal’at’s intersectional approach was instrumental in highlighting the interconnectedness of these struggles.
- Learning from Global Movements: Future Palestinian feminist movements could benefit from strategies employed by movements like Ni Una Menos, which combined direct action with strategic media campaigns and political engagement. The ability to adapt global tactics to local contexts could enhance the effectiveness of future movements.
Tal’at may no longer be present in the streets, but its impact remains a significant chapter in Palestinian feminist history. Whether as a cautionary tale or an inspirational model, it offers crucial lessons on the challenges and possibilities of feminist resistance under occupation. Although its visible presence may have faded, the influence of Tal’at continues to shape feminist discourse and activism, fostering a legacy that endures in other spaces and initiatives.
References:
- Shalhoub-Kevorkian, N. (2019). Gender, Nationalism, and Social Movements in Palestine. University of California Press.
- Sayigh, R. (2021). Palestinian Feminist Politics: A Comparative Analysis. Feminist Review, 127(1), 21-40.
- Razack, S. H. (2020). The Political Economy of Gender and the Palestinian Struggle for Liberation. Gender and Development, 28(2), 229-244.
