The Ministry of Women's Affairs discusses with women's organizations enhancing women's resilience and expanding their participation.

Qalqilya – The Minister of Women's Affairs, Ms. Muna Khalili, the Minister of Women's Affairs, and the Governor of Qalqilya, Major General Hossam Abu Hamda, met with women's organizations in the governorate to discuss the reality of women and the main challenges they face, and ways to enhance their resilience and empower them economically, socially, and politically, and to expand their participation in public life and decision-making positions.

The meeting witnessed wide participation from official and civil institutions, civil society organizations, the General Union of Palestinian Women in Qalqilya Governorate, representatives from the Public Relations Committee in the security institution and the Gender Committee in the security institution, representatives from the Fatah Movement's district, as well as representatives from local councils, women's associations and institutions, and feminist activists.

The governor, Abu Hamda, praised the role of Palestinian women, especially women in Qalqilya Governorate, and their contribution to strengthening the resilience of society, their active participation in various fields, and their ability to face challenges in light of the difficult conditions experienced by the Palestinian people and the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the importance of realistically addressing the needs of citizens in light of available resources, and enhancing positive relationships, cooperation, and integration between national institutions, which contributes to unifying efforts, overcoming difficulties, meeting citizens' needs, and strengthening their trust in their national institutions.

For her part, Al-Khalili praised the role of Qalqilya Governorate and its institutions in strengthening the resilience of citizens, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the presence of Palestinian women and their national and societal roles. She indicated that the second phase of the ministry's economic empowerment initiative will include women's associations in the governorate, in parallel with the ministry's efforts in protection, empowerment, international pressure, and advocacy, which include confronting occupation violations and enhancing social protection, expanding women's participation in various fields, activating international accountability for crimes committed against the Palestinian people, as well as reviewing and developing laws and legislation to meet the needs of Palestinian women.

The meeting witnessed an extensive discussion with women's institutions and associations in Qalqilya Governorate regarding the challenges they face in their work, ways to develop coordination and cooperation among them, and enhancing their role in supporting and empowering women. The interventions also focused on the priorities for the upcoming phase in light of settler attacks. And the importance of supporting the marketing of products from associations and institutions, the rights of people with disabilities, in addition to health and psychological services, as well as the importance of a safe working environment for women and the existence of protective laws, and everything that enhances resilience and protects the family and its rights.