In a street in Deir al Baleh, Palestinian women knead dough, grind chickpeas, and fry falafels to sell sandwiches and earn a living, amidst nearly nine months of war in the Gaza Strip. 'This is the essence of women's struggle — fighting not only for themselves and their families but for society as well," says Alaa, a divorced mother supporting her dependent children. "It's a positive influence, encouraging women to pursue work and personal growth," she adds. IMAGES