NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- Women’s organizations in Palestine make great efforts for women’s political participation, to make women more visible and increase political parties’ quotas for women. Although Palestinian women are determined to be more active in politics, they are prevented due to social pressures.

Political activist Rania Al-Louh thinks Palestinian women are under-represented in politics and in decision-making positions. We demand the role of women in politics be recognized since they have struggled and made sacrifices for years. Their efforts, their capacities and performance in politics must be recognized and respected. However, we have received no response to our demands from the Palestinian leaders and parties. Palestinian women still face obstacles while climbing the ladder to get decision-making positions.”

Rania Al-Louh thinks women’s political activities must be supported. “In 2018, the rate of women holding decision-making positions in government structures was 30%. The political parties claim that they defend women’s freedom and that they know how women’s role in politics is important; however, they do not have even a woman in decision-making positions.”

Talking about after the Battle of Gaza in 2007, she said, “We witnessed many reconciliation attempts led by men, but there was an active intervention of feminist political figures as mediators between the two parties. Women took serious steps in achieving social reconciliation among the concerned parties. Their active role in reconciliation talks proves how they are strong in reform and reconciliation processes. The presence of women in decision-making positions strengthens feminist issues and serves public interests.”

Rania Al-Louh believes that insufficient women’s political participation has a negative impact on political dialogue processes. Women are discriminated against by authorities. Women are openly excluded from reconciliation talks. Only two women, Magda al-Masry and Zahira Kamal, participated in the previous reconciliation talks.”