Tulkarim – The Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD) held an open debate titled “The Youth’s Role in Democracy-Based Social Change”, with a number of governorate youth councils (Illar Youth Council, youth group from Shufa, and women’s shadow councils including Qaffin Shadow Council, Kafr Zibad Shadow Council, and Kafr Sur Shadow Council, in addition to a number of former local councilwomen as well as women planning to run for office). The debate addressed the significance of political participation by women and youth as a right and a duty. It also presented the experiences of youth councils and shadow councils as examples of social and political involvement, within a gender-based framework encouraging participation by women and youth, and their roles in bringing real change in policies and procedures related to deepening dialogue and democracy.
The discussion delved into the challenges facing women in political life, focusing on society, political parties, and decision-makers. Some experiences were highlighted of women in local councils, mentioning the pressures placed on them, such as marginalization and inferior treatment by the community and by some councilmen in many locations. In addition to the double effort women have to exert to convince the community of their capabilities, in order to establish their right to equal participation.
One woman mentioned the backlash she faced for merely considering running for office, including family pressure to nominate a man instead since “there are men in this family”, in addition to political parties having family biases.
The debate came up with a number of recommendations, including that youth and shadow councils should support women in all locations, and work to incorporate young women and men in political work to bridge the generational gaps and lack of trust and experience. In addition to joining committees that are supportive of women in candidacy, throughout the election process, and after winning their positions. Additionally, attendees asserted the need for the Central Council to implement a minimum of 30% women’s quota, with some attendees calling to cancel the quota system and to implement a parity system as a right for women.