Conference entitled: “Political Participation for Bedouin Women, Reality and Future”

18\4\2016

Conference entitled: “Political Participation for Bedouin Women, Reality and Future”

Roles for Social Change Association-ADWAR held a conference entitled : “Political Participation for Bedouin Women, Reality and Future” 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 ADWAR’s general director Sahar AlKawasmeh in which she welcomed attendees and presented the most important achievements of ADWAR Association within C areas and illustrated the project’s and objectives. As Mr.Anwar Shabaneh the deputy of local government directorate in Hebron presented his speech on behalf of the directorate, and Mrs.Mariam Hdeib the head of Hebron branch for the General Union of Palestinian Women presented a speech on behalf of the union.

The dialogue session started with Ola Deirat an activist from AlDeirat community in which she presented a speech to illustrate the social and political roles of Bedouin women. Another Bedouin activist Ebtisam AlFakeer presented the most important strategic and practical needs of gender in Bedouin and C areas. After that Mrs.Kefaya AlHathaline whom a member in the new local council of Khashm AlDaraj explained the most important demands from decision makers in PA.

Moreover, the representative of Yatta Health Directorate Dr.Ibrahim Abu Sabha illustrated the ministries’ role in improving health services of Bedouin communities. The representative of transportation directorate showed the role of the ministry in improving transportation services in C and Bedouin areas. Furthermore, Mr.Rami Mahdawi the General Director for Employment illustrated gender gaps in employment at Bedouin communities.

The conference came out with several recommendations that emphasize the importance of activating women roles in Bedouin and C areas and activate their role in taking action and employment along with ADWAR and Local Employment Council LET in Hebron. Also, the necessity of providing transportation for girl students in order to reach their school. As well as enrollment of people with disabilities and enhancement of health services in Bedouin and C areas.