Abstract
This study examines how female debaters from An-Najah National University embody Sumud, a form of Palestinian resilience grounded in the preservation of identity, culture, and community under ongoing conditions of apartheid. Drawing on the conceptual framework of Sumud (Awayed-Bishara, 2023) and Critical Feminist Theory (Crenshaw et al., 1995), the study explores how these women navigate and resist linguistic and gender-based challenges while asserting leadership and cultural identity. Using semi-structured interviews, the research investigates participants’ lived experiences, with particular attention to cultural resilience, female leadership, and linguistic resistance. The findings highlight the role of debate as a pedagogical and transformative space that empowers women, strengthens resilience, and advances the practice of Sumud within Palestinian higher education.
