[1] She was educated at the UNRWA Balata Basic School for Girls,[2] and joined Fatah in 1977, eventually becoming a member of its central committee.

[3] She attended An-Najah National University, where she headed the public relations for the student council.

During her time at university she was placed under house arrest by Israeli authorities due to her activism.

[3] After earning a BA in biology, she gained an MA in international studies at Birzeit University.

She subsequently led the Nablus-based General Union for Palestinian Women.