The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Ms. Mona Al-Khalili conducted a field tour to the institutions of Nablus governorate, at the invitation of the Governor of Nablus, Mr. Ghassan Douglas. She stressed during this visit, the importance of activating and strengthening partnership and cooperation with local and women's institutions in the Palestinian governorates, and commended the role of these institutions in supporting citizens and women and in strengthening resilience in the face of the Israeli escalation in the Palestinian territories in the West Bank, Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip

Moreover, she expressed her endeavor to develop coordination and cooperation with institutions in the Nablus governorate, to promote the reality of Palestinian women through the development of the work of gender units and “Tawasol” Centers, which was established to promote communication between the governorate and women's institutions and to emphasize the resilience of women and their active participation in society.

Following, Al-Khalili held an interactive meeting with these women institutions, and stressed her desire to strengthen a genuine and serious partnership with them, to help serve Palestinian women and enhance their role. Then, she noted the importance of cooperation and coordination with all civil society institutions in the light of Israel's aggression against Palestinian women, and to provide them with the necessary protection.

So, she outlined the Ministry's strategic directions to protect Palestinian women from occupation violations in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank, as well as the Ministry’s role in developing various policies that support women, thereby promoting equality and non-discrimination and creating a possible environment for women's political and economic participation.

Then, she heard the challenges faced by women's institutions and the priorities they deemed necessary for the political, social and economic development and empowerment of women, and stressed the importance of unifying efforts to combat violence against women.

On his part, Mr. Douglas welcomed the initiative of the Minister, stressing that Palestinian women need more support. Since they have made and continue to make sacrifices, and heir empowerment and resilience are among the priorities of the Government because a strong mother is the foundation of a successful and viable society.

He added: “Nablus is proud to have women activists in leadership positions in the Central Committee and the Revolutionary Council, with an honorable social and struggle record”.

Then, Ms. Al-Khalili visited Al-Najah National University, and spoke during her meeting with the rector’s assistants, of her aspiration for an academic partnership with the university, in order to have different majors, research and studies that benefit decision makers and institutions in the field of women. After she valued their efforts and role in the community work and raising women status in various fields.

For their part, rector’s assistants welcomed this visit with complete pleasure, and expressed the University's full willingness to cooperate with the Ministry of Women's Affairs at the policy, programs and research levels. And, they provided a presentation of the various University programs, particularly those targeting Gaza students, to bridge the educational gap in Gaza through an initiative called “hand in hand”.

Next, she met with members of the “Fatah” movement, and emphasized the role of women in the national struggle and commended the cohesion and institutional cooperation in Nablus Governorate in order to strengthen resilience and face the difficult policies and measures of the occupation. She added that the Ministry will continue progress and work to develop programs and policies to support Palestinian women, promote citizenship, and build institutions capable of facing Israeli occupation.

For his part, “Fatah” Secretary Mr. Mohammed Hamdan welcomed the Minister and the accompanying delegation, stressing that all institutions in Nablus stood together in the face of the occupation and its actions of tightening the siege on Nablus city.

Next, she visited The Family Defense Association, and met with the President and members of the administrative body, and briefed on the workflow and services provided to women victims of violence, the basic needs of the safe house and challenges and constraints facing the work.

Upon that, the minister commended the effort of the association, affirming the Ministry's willingness to cooperate in addressing problems and challenges, and expressed concern to support the women's protection system in coordination with all governmental and non-governmental partners.

Lastly, she concluded her tour by visiting Askar women’s center in Askar camp. Al-Khalili noted the significance of such centers to represent Palestinian family, open prospects for women's work and be involved in sustainable development. Furthermore, she was impressed by the Centre's services and activities to serve the camp and women Despite all current challenges and difficulties.

Finally, the head of the General Union of Palestinian Women in Nablus, Ms. Wahiba Saleh, said that this association is aimed at improving the situation of the camp and the situation of women and children, within a strategy and integration plan with the Federation and institutions to support women's work within the camp.