“UNRWA Celebrates Palestine Refugee Women” series: March 2007

Camp leadership takes on a new face

Souf refugee camp, March 2007
by Abdullah QUDSI

Growing up, it never occurred to Rula that one day she would have the chance to work for UNRWA, let alone become the first woman in the Agency’s history to assume the position of a camp services officer. Yet in February of this year, Rula began her duties as camp services officer in Souf refugee camp, located near the famous Roman ruins of Jerash.

Born in Baghdad in 1977 to an engineer father and a homemaker mother, Rula went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Yarmouk University in Irbid. Searching for a job following graduation – and marriage -- she noticed an interesting vacancy announcement in the local newspaper.

"It was for the post of camp services officer. Reading it, I thought, this job will be a interesting challenge! I also saw it as an opportunity to start a career in community service".

"When I first applied for the job, everyone except my husband laughed at me. The camp services officer job was considered a man’s job".

Although all UNRWA job advertisements clearly state that "UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are encouraged to apply", many women are reluctant to do so.

This pattern caught the attention of Sheldon Pitterman soon after he took over as UNRWA Jordan Field Director in September 2005.

"I noticed that women are under-represented, not only in senior administration positions but also in staff unions", says Mr. Pitterman. "Therefore, I was pleased to learn that Rula finished first among the seven candidates who applied for the post".

Darwish Mohammad Hassan, chairperson of the Camp Improvement Committee in Souf, wholeheartedly supports the appointment of Rula. "Rula’s dedication to her work has impressed many of us."

"I have worked with more than five camp services officers. None of them was as energetic and vigorous as Rula", continues Darwish.

"Ever since she joined UNRWA, I receive five or more telephone calls from her every day! This tells me Rula is seriously interested in what goes on in our camp. It’s clear she wants to cooperate with the different groups, and to help".

Although Nuha Qatami, chairperson of the women’s programme centre in Souf camp, personally welcomed having a female camp services officer, she also feared that the conservative mentality of camp residents would hinder Rula’s ability to perform her job well.

"Before I met with Rula, I thought to myself, her mission will not be an easy one. People believe the camp services officer needs to be a man".

"But once I began to know Rula, her capabilities and her personality, I grew convinced she could shoulder the burden of her duties," says Nuha.

The next activity on Rula’s schedule is a one-week cleanliness and beautification campaign. Implemented in partnership with municipal offices, and civil society and grassroots organizations, the "towards an ideal camp" campaign will be launched soon. Activities will include planting trees, paving pavements and street cleaning. It will also include development of an environmental health awareness plan for camp residents.

In spite of work and the responsibilities of being a wife and a mother, Rula finds time to attend evening classes in business administration at Yarmouk University.

"After obtaining my MBA, I intend to apply for higher positions within UNRWA. But until then, I will do everything within my power to fulfill my duties as a camp services officer in a way that really makes a positive difference", assures Rula.