PWWSD calls for Greater Representation of Women in the Upcoming Government

The Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development welcomes the belated agreement between Hamas and Fateh that have signed the Egyptian reconciliation deal to end a phase of geopolitical division, and a bitter period of the Palestinian history. That black period severed the Palestinian cause, allowing Israel the space to increase its offensives, confiscations and judiazation of Palestine. Israel, during the years of the division has continued to build more blocks of settlements across the OPT, has completed the separation wall, and continued to commit mass-arrests against thousands of Palestinians, in addition to committing atrocious massacres against them.  

The organization considers the agreement a step closer to ending the Israeli Occupation which is a priority to the Palestinian people. Yet to be able to do so, we need to have a coherent strong leadership, to build a cohesive society based on gender equality and social justice, and to tie the national struggle to the social struggle. On this occasion, the organization addresses the Palestinian president Mr. Mahmoud Abbess, and all Palestinian parties, urging them to engage more women in the committees and bodies planned to be formed, according to the Egyptian deal. The organization accentuates a just participation by women in the upcoming government, and the importance that they be given responsibility of critical ministries (Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs...) , for women have proven their capability of fighting in the political arena, as well as in the national struggle against the Israeli Occupation.

In relation, the organization emphasizes that the agreement must have a promising influence on the Palestinian society, and should be positively reflected on women, children, young people and the youth movement. The suffering due to the Israeli Occupation, had its implications on all Palestinian people, therefore the participation in the upcoming government should be available to all social segments without any limited and narrow considerations.  We also urge the upcoming government to prioritize ending the Israeli siege  that is enforced upon Gaza on the regional and international levels. Yet, on the local level, we call upon the government to accelerate the issuance of Palestinian laws, particularly the law of penalties and the personal status law, for they have a huge influence on people and women’s protection.

We also call for a validation of the administrative procedures required to make the laws and the presidential decrees applicable in Palestine, especially the presidential decrees endorsing CEDAW and the UN resolution 1325. And we reaffirm the urgency to take instant procedures concerning the adverse articles in the current penalties law which discriminate against women, and are needed to be suspended immediately.