Defying "The Plan": Intimate Politics among Palestinian Women in Israel

Palestinian women in Israel face intersecting oppressions from settler colonialism and patriarchal norms, known as "The Plan." Kim Jezabel Zinngrebe's documentary, Defying The Plan, showcases how Palestinian women defy these expectations in their daily lives, challenging the notion that their struggles are merely a corollary to the larger conflict. The film explores issues such as sexual education, dress politics, and the roles of class, feminism, and race. It also highlights the experiences of women who are often excluded from mainstream accounts, including Black Palestinian women, women with disabilities, unmarried and divorced women, Bedouin women, and LGBTQI women. The stories in the film trace and unpack settler colonial power at the level of the intimate and reveal the diverse practices of defiance by native women.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Palestinian women in Israel face a complex web of settler colonialism and patriarchal oppression, often referred to as "The Plan." This plan encompasses various aspects of their lives, including clothing, marriage, religion, sex, and the upbringing of children. It dictates their daily choices and behaviors, shaping their experiences in profound ways.

In her book, "Defying The Plan," Kim Jezabel Zinngrebe delves into the lives of Palestinian women who challenge the confines of this oppressive system. Through a series of moving interviews, she reveals the resilience and determination of these women as they navigate the complexities of their lives under occupation.

Zinngrebe argues that Palestinian women's intimate choices cannot be seen as mere corollaries to the broader struggle between settler and colonized. Rather, they constitute a pivotal and contested terrain of the conflict. The book explores a range of issues, including the segregation of sexual education in Palestine, the politics of dress, menstruation, and tattoos, and the roles of class, feminism, and race in shaping women's experiences.

What sets "Defying The Plan" apart is its commitment to highlighting the intersectional experiences of women who are often excluded from existing accounts. These women include Black Palestinian women, women with disabilities, unmarried and divorced women, Bedouin women, and LGBTQI women. Their stories provide a rich tapestry of experiences and challenges that intersect with the broader struggle for justice and equality.

Through the stories gathered in "Defying The Plan," Zinngrebe traces and unpacks settler colonial power at the level of the intimate. She highlights the various practices of defiance employed by these women, from resisting patriarchal norms to challenging the Israeli state's policies. These practices are not only a means of survival but also a way of asserting their autonomy and dignity.

"Defying The Plan" is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of Palestinian women in the face of immense adversity. It sheds light on the ongoing struggle for gender equality and justice in the region and serves as a call to action for all who seek to support and amplify their voices.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253062505