Ashrawi has been very fortunate - her partner has described himself as a full-time father and "waiting" husband. With his help, she has been able to pursue her political career.

"I don't think we should have to make a choice between being a mother or a wife and a woman and human being who is active in public domain. We make decisions democratically as a family and I make sure, even ever since my daughters were young children, that they understood and took part in decision making. And I also made sure that they knew that I loved them, and if I didn't love them so much I wouldn't love the Palestinian people and cause so much. So charity begins at home … and then you are able to work in a way which would give them more freedom, legitimacy and a better future."