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Portrait of Randa Abdel-Fattah

Photo: Matt Hrkac at Matt Hrkac Photography · CC BY 4.0

Randa Abdel-Fattah

Advocate for Palestinian representation

Born
6 June 1979
Born in
Sydney, Australia
Read Randa’s story2 videosAsk about Randa

Why Randa is here

Renowned for her contributions to Palestinian identity and rights through literature and activism.

Their story

Randa Abdel-Fattah, born in Sydney in 1979 to a Palestinian father and an Egyptian mother, is an Australian writer, lawyer and sociologist. Her debut novel Does My Head Look Big in This? (2005) became a much-loved book about growing up Muslim in Australia.

She is a leading advocate for Palestinians in Australia. In 2026, after Adelaide Writers' Week disinvited her over her views, most of the festival's writers withdrew in protest and the event was cancelled.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Randa’s path.

  1. 2005

    Published "Does My Head Look Big in This?"

    This debut novel brought international attention to issues of identity and the experiences of Muslim and Palestinian youth in Australia.

  2. Active Human Rights Advocate

    Abdel-Fattah has been a member of the Palestinian Human Rights Committee and frequently comments on Palestinian issues in the Australian media.

  3. Awarded for Literary Excellence

    Her novel "Where the Streets Had a Name" was adapted for the stage by Australia's leading children's theatre company in 2017.

  4. PhD in Sociology

    Completed a PhD focusing on racism and multiculturalism in Australia, further informing her advocacy and literary work.

  5. Recipient of Multiple Awards

    Recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to literature and social justice, including being shortlisted for the Victorian Premier's Prize for Nonfiction in 2022.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Promoting Palestinian Narratives in Literature

    Through her novels, such as "Does My Head Look Big in This?" and "Where the Streets Had a Name," Abdel-Fattah highlights the Palestinian struggle and identity, providing a platform for Palestinian voices in mainstream literature.

  2. Challenging Media Representations

    As a regular contributor to Australian media, Abdel-Fattah works to counter dominant narratives that misrepresent the Palestinian cause, advocating for a more accurate portrayal of the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

    Watch

  3. Advocacy for Palestinian Rights

    Through her involvement with human rights organizations and public speaking engagements, she actively supports Palestinian rights and brings attention to the injustices faced by Palestinians.

    Watch

  4. Educational Initiatives

    Regularly speaks at schools and universities, educating young people about social justice issues, including the Palestinian struggle, and encouraging critical thinking about media portrayals of Palestine.

  5. Literary Recognition and Influence

    Abdel-Fattah’s books have received critical acclaim and numerous awards, significantly influencing young adult literature by incorporating Palestinian perspectives and experiences.

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Watch & listen

Randa in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Challenging Media Representations↗

  • 02Advocacy for Palestinian Rights↗

Further reading

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