On the morning show “Sabah Nisaa (Women’s Morning),” viewers met Israa Shawabka, a bright young woman from Hebron whose passion for science blossomed into a groundbreaking medical innovation that earned her international accolades—and elevated Palestine’s name on the global stage.
Outstanding Academic Achievement and a Groundbreaking Project
Israa was an ambitious high school student who earned an outstanding 97% average. But her achievements didn’t stop at academic excellence—she also shone internationally with her science project designed for early breast cancer detection. The innovation is a self-examination device that empowers women to distinguish between benign and malignant lumps. It has garnered both regional and international awards and gained substantial recognition in scientific circles.
Motivation, Challenges, and Support
During the interview, Israa spoke about what drove her to develop the project: her passion for science and her desire to make a real, positive impact on people’s lives. She also discussed the challenges she faced as a young woman in a resource-limited environment and emphasized the importance of perseverance and family support—especially her mother, who was a companion and source of inspiration.
International Milestones and Accomplishments
The discussion also spotlighted Israa’s most significant international milestones. She competed at the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Texas, where she achieved a global first-place ranking. Additionally, she participated in the “Technology Talents” program and visited NASA as Palestine’s representative. Notably, she became the first young Palestinian woman to speak on the global TEDx platform.
Aspirations for the Future
Israa shared her future aspirations: she plans to study human medicine and specialize in cancer treatment, aiming to continue her service to humanity and use her scientific knowledge to help cancer patients in Palestine and around the world.
A Message of Hope to Palestinian Girls
In closing, Israa delivered a powerful message to Palestinian girls, urging them to believe in themselves and not give up in the face of obstacles. She emphasized that “an idea, when paired with willpower and faith, has the potential to become a seed for global change.”
From: radionisaa