Gaza – On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Press House – Palestine concluded a series of psychosocial and legal support sessions for the first group of Palestinian women journalists in Gaza. The initiative was funded by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Spanning four consecutive days, the sessions were led by psychological and social specialist Faten Shellah, and focused on strengthening mental health, reducing negative emotions, and improving overall well-being among participants.
The program emphasized building trust between the journalists and the trainer, creating safe spaces, and fostering open discussions around psychological stress and its impact on women working in the media sector. It also included awareness-raising on mental health and training in self-care techniques.
Shellah introduced participants to psychological first aid practices, including therapeutic exercises such as drawing, relaxation, and deep breathing, aimed at boosting psychological resilience and emotional stability.
One key focus of the sessions was raising awareness of gender-based violence and restoring hope. This was facilitated through a forward-looking activity that encouraged the women to envision and build a roadmap for their personal and professional futures, nurturing motivation and optimism despite ongoing hardships.
Alongside psychosocial support, the journalists also received legal guidance from lawyer and legal advisor Mundhir al-Farrani. The sessions covered key aspects of Palestinian labor law and the rights of women working in journalism.
The legal training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities in the workplace, particularly in the face of societal and legal challenges confronting women in the media industry. The sessions also provided space for dialogue and experience-sharing among participants, promoting a deeper grasp of their legal standing and workplace protections.
This multifaceted initiative comes amid growing concerns for the mental health and safety of journalists in Gaza, many of whom are operating under extreme stress and ongoing conflict.
