PWWSD and of Feminist Activists Meet the Deputy of the Head of the Supreme Judiciary Court

The Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development and a number of feminist activists have met with the deputy of the head of the supreme judiciary court Mrs. Youssef Id'es in Ramallah today, at the office of the supreme judiciary council. The meeting reflects the ongoing feminist struggle to eradicate all forms of violence and discrimination against women, through overturning and changing the applicable laws, and by proposing drafts of new laws based on gender equality. The parties developed a document for women's rights, which reflects the political, economic, social and personal vision of many segments of the Palestinian feminist movement; and the citizens who have and still participate in all aspects of the national development processes. During the meeting, the participants welcomed the last decision made by Mrs. Id'es which states: "married men are not to sign new marriage papers before notifying the first wife/wives. And if a man has more than one wife, and wants to marry another, he must inform his fiancé that he is married to another".

On her part, Mrs. Amal Khreishe, demanded the deputy to take administrative measures in the judiciary courts, in order to protect women's right of inheritance, and to deter the attempts to steal women's share of the inheritance. Some women are forced to give away their shares, as they are abused and sometimes threatened of death. Consequently, a general statement was issued to define the inheritance within a year of someone's death, so that women would know of the exact amount of their share, and then decide whether to give it away or keep it.

On his part, Mr. Youssef I'des expressed his willingness to cooperate with the feminist movement, which he described as just, adding his last decision in which he stated that it is necessary to inform the wife/wives of her husband's second marriage. Id'es also talked about the procedures to be exerted in regard of informing the wife, therefore whoever denies a second marriage without informing his wife is taken to court for forgery.

The participants asked to establish an administrative department at the judiciary courts, to facilitate laws implementation in regards of women's rights, especially women's right of inheritance, property and alimony. Mrs. Zuheira Kamal, the director of Feda, and the director of the Palestinian Woman's Centre for Research and Documentation, stressed the urgency to issue similar laws in favor of women's rights and issues. In conclusion, the parties agreed to continue to coordinate and follow up on the issues discussed, and also to develop a national comprehensive plan, with clear objectives and vision.