NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- Women’s organizations in Palestine established Shadow Councils in 2004 to support women to have more active roles in politics and society. Since it was established, the Shadow Councils have carried out activities to strengthen women’s political and social role by increasing women's awareness of their rights and roles based on equality. In an interview with NuJINHA, Rima Nazzal, member of the Shadow Councils, talked about the aims of the councils.

Education programs for women candidates

The Shadow Councils have education programs for women candidates. “We have carried out activities to boost women to run for local and general elections. Our education programs inform women candidates of their rights to support them. Our aim is to strengthen women’s participation in politics by increasing women's awareness of their rights. We have also carried out awareness-raising activities against gender discrimination,” said Rima Nazzal.

As of 2021, 89 Shadow Councils were established in the West Bank and four in the Gaza Strip with the aim of encouraging women to contribute to the development of their communities, and monitoring local and general elections from a gender perspective. “Our aim is to break stereotypes about the roles of Palestinian women. The councils have played an important role in encouraging women to run for office and vote in elections. The shadow councils are a platform for raising women's issues and aim to empower women in politics, economy and society. Palestine has ratified many international conventions; however, women cannot hold decision-making positions.”

Rima Nazzal thinks women should be supported more in politics and run for local and general elections because "women are strong leaders.”