Jenin – October 17: The Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD) as part of its goal to encourage women to take an active role in decision making on personal and community levels, to develop women’s participation in decision making bodies, and to support women’s representation in top political and community committees, the organization held a workshop on Monday at the Abu Eyad Hall in Jalbun village, Jenin titled: “Active Citizenship and Strengthening Women’s Political Participation”. 22 women participated in the event.
PWWSD Women’s Empowerment Program field coordinator, Subhiya Daraghmeh highlighted the organization’s goals, programs, and role in empowering women. The workshop addressed the definition of citizenship, its foundations and standards, and the rights and duties it allows citizens.
Participants addressed the problems and challenges facing women in the village and how to deal with them in collaboration with the village council. Participants emphasized the need for women’s presence in the village council.
Daraghmeh talked about the importance of shadow councils and the developmental role women have through their shadow council membership, where they activate the foundations of their citizenship. She addressed PWWSD’s role in establishing the shadow council initiative, and expanding it to all PWWSD locations. She also highlighted the participatory role of women in decision-making positions, working on meeting local community needs, and raising sensitivity to women’s issues, by integrating gender in the community and changing the stereotypical image of women’s traditional roles.
Participants recommended working with the local community to garner support for women, and the need to seek active citizenship in all aspects of social and political life.
Feminist activist, Siham Abu-Rub highlighted women’s active role in advancing their situation in the village, meeting their needs, and deepening their resilience. Particularly because Jalbun is a border area and its land is under confiscation threats, with its residents suffering from Israeli occupation practices and violations. These circumstances have created an environment of uncertainty and insecurity in the village.