this can be especially important for young women in migrant or minority groups who experience oppression along lines other than gender in this case the family may represent a haven from discrimination in the outside world the often violent conditions under the israeli occupation have bolstered a palestinian neopatriarchy that is highly deleterious to women however a study of palestinian women s birthing experiences in occupied east jerusalem shows that husbands and family members are the most important support for young women in difficult times embattled situations can strengthen patriarchal society while also strengthening young women s reliance on and appreciation of family members young women not only participated in these protests but many also took the lead in organizing them