YWCA Palestine meets with the Minister of Social Development on the Family Protection Law and Women's Empowerment
Ramallah – A delegation from the Young
Women's Christian Association in Palestine, along with several partner
organizations and young women from the "Young Women for Awareness, Agency,
Advocacy, and Accountability (YW4A)" program, held a discussion session
with the Minister of Social Development and the Acting Minister of State for
Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, at the Ministry's headquarters in Ramallah.
The meeting focused on the efforts made to pass the Family Protection Law from
Violence and the challenges faced by Palestinian women under the current
political and economic circumstances.
The meeting was attended by
representatives from partner institutions, including the Young Women's
Christian Association – Jerusalem, the Women's Psychological and Social
Counseling Center, Al-Hara Theater, the Association, and the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The role of these institutions in
enhancing social protection and empowering women was highlighted during the
session.
The meeting began with an introduction
to the Young Women's Christian Association and its programs, particularly the
"Safe Spaces for Young Women" initiative, which aims to strengthen
collaboration between civil society to protect individuals from violence. The
discussion also highlighted the increasing cases of domestic violence as a
result of Israeli occupation practices and the impact of this on Palestinian
women, who are considered the most vulnerable to violence under the
deteriorating economic conditions.
Dr. Hamad reaffirmed the Ministry's
commitment to developing shelter services in the West Bank and providing
psychological, social, and health support to women survivors of violence,
noting the financial challenges faced by the Palestinian government due to the
Israeli occupation's confiscation of funds. She also emphasized the importance
of partnership with civil society organizations in providing services and
creating a safe environment for women.
The meeting discussed the reality of
shelter centers, ways to improve the protection environment, and the potential
to develop legislation to enhance social security. It also addressed the impact
of movement restrictions, the disruption of judicial work, the social stigma
associated with domestic violence, and the lack of deterrent laws and
regulations that provide necessary protection for women.
The meeting resulted in several key
outcomes, including the enhancement of referral mechanisms and coordination
between the Ministry and the Association to ensure that women access services
quickly and effectively. Additionally, it was agreed to expand the scope of
psychological and social support services, especially in marginalized areas.
Joint awareness campaigns to combat gender-based violence were also planned,
and the Association's involvement in developing social policies related to
women within the Ministry's plans was confirmed.
