NEXEM KARACA

Gaza- Gender balance in politics and decision-making positions is an important issue in Gaza and one of the most prominent elements of the democratic process in the world. The participation of women in the parliament and their integration into community issues and the development of their capabilities are an indicator of the advancement and growth of societies all around the world. But Gazan women have been excluded from the Palestinian National Council and Palestinian reconciliation dialogue.

“Women’s representation is very low”

Feminist activist Rosa Al-Masry spoke to our news agency about the challenges faced by women in politics and decision-making positions. The Palestine National Council (PNC) is the highest decision-making body within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the supreme representative institution of the Palestinian people. The percentage of women’s participation in the National Council was 7.5 in 1996, Rosa Al-Masry said, “In 2018, the percentage of women in the council was only 12%.”

“Women’s participation should be increased”

Rosa Al-Masry calls on women’s organizations and the General Union of Palestinian Women to organize a meeting to raise their percentage of women's representation. “Article 9 of the Basic Law, which was approved in 2015 by the council, provides that Palestinians are equal before the law and the judiciary without distinction, including gender. The article ensures that women’s participation in all government institutions should be at least 30%. But this remains on paper only. During the National Council’s 23^rd session in 2018, women demanded 23 members of the General Union of Palestinian Women be admitted to the Palestinian Central Council. Although the participation of 21 women was approved, this decision has not been implemented so far.”

“Women resist challenges”

Commenting on women’s participation in the Palestinian reconciliation talks, Rosa Al-Masry said, “We see how women resist challenges. On March 8, 2011, they took to the streets to express their demands. But they were excluded from the reconciliation talks. Only four women participated in the Palestinian reconciliation dialogue in 2017, Cairo. In 2021, the number of women who participated in the reconciliation talks was six.

“Participation of Gaza women in politics should be increased”

Commenting on women’s participation in the decision-making positions, Rosa Al-Masry said, “The women’s participation in all government institutions should be at least 30%. Women’s active role in society will develop our society and build a fair society. The participation of Gazan women in politics should be increased. Our society cannot develop without the participation of women in the Palestinian reconciliation dialogue.”