Conference entitled: “Where are Hebron women from the political participation and decision- making?”

Roles for Social Change Association-ADWAR launches a conference entitled : “Where are Hebron women from the political participation and decision- making?” within the project: (Initializing Palestinian Bedouin Communities of Hebron Governorate to Endorse Women in political participation High Decision Making Positions) which comes within “Women Empowerment in Decision Making Positions Program” that is implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project will be implemented in partnership with Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Women Affairs in cooperation with Local councils, CBO’s and cooperatives in Bedouin and C areas.

The conference aims at presenting the status of Hebron women in political participation levels of different areas, villages and C Bedouin marginalized communities, and their existence in decision-making positions. Also, influence decision-makers in the Palestinian legislative council and Ministry of local government in order to support Hebron women to obtain high political positions. Furthermore, activate civil and right organizations’ roles in order to reach effective mechanisms outcomes and recommendations that contribute to improving the level of participation of women in Hebron especially Bedouin women in political and democratic life.

Opening ceremony was started by Dr.Mohammad Hroub from ADWAR’s board of directors in which he welcomed attendees and presented the most important achievements of ADWAR Association within C areas. Also, Mr.Kamel Hmeid Hebron governor presented a speech in which he praised Palestinian women role especially in Hebron governorate and c areas. ADWAR’s administrative officer Lama Qattush illustrated the project’s and objectives.

First session of the conference started with the deputy of ministry of Local government Mr.Mohammad Hasan Jabareen in which he previewed the ministry’s role in supporting Bedouin communities  such as building the health clinic and kindergarten. After that came the member of central council for general Union of Palestinian women Mrs.Nada
Tweer whom referred to the huge population of Hebron governorate in which women are the half but still governed by tribes and other factors that prevents women from reaching decision making positions. Also, Mr Ibrahim Alhathaline ;head of AlHathaline local council; praised ADWAR’s role in presenting services for them, and he displayed the most important challenges that prevents Bedouin women from reaching decision making positions in local councils. Those were natural conditions and the reality of Bedouin tribal culture as well as Israeli occupation; in addition to that he mentioned the importance of Palestinian authority intervention to improve Bedouin women reality.

Speakers moved to the second session in the conference in which Ms.Elham Hamad from Ministry of Women Affairs started talking about programs and services presented by the ministry as well as the strategic plan that is in alliance with international laws and conventions; thus allows women to candidature for decision making positions.

Civil society expert Mrs.Fadwa AlShae’er viewed a study for ADWAR that there are a huge ratio among women and men in remote areas does not know about the role of civil and rights organizations. Also, she pointed to the necessity of activating the MOWA and international organizations role in meeting the needs of marginalized targeted groups as well as including them in their strategic plans. Mrs.Nadia Kittana the gender specialist presented the last paper and talked about the importance of women active role in political life, because through that women can obtain their practical health, educative, and services needs. Also, they can connect those services with development. Furthermore, she pointed to the importance of imposition to mechanisms that eliminates tribalism and unifies efforts of organizations, holding officials’ accountable as well as political parties, and enhances the role of Palestinian laws.

The conference came out with many of the initiatives that emphasize the importance of activating the role of governmental and civil institutions in C areas by heading to the base, listening to the needs of different groups and work with them to resolve their basic needs for the advancement of these areas, as well as to involve all segments of society (women and people with special needs).