On the 20th of October at the Al-Qassimi College for Engineering and Science, a group of women from the Women’s Forum in Baqa Al Gharbeya in cooperation with the Mossawa Center and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, organized a study day on the role of women in local councils. The event was attended by dozens of influential social activists in Arab communities, all aware of the importance of local politics and the necessity of being active in one’s community.
The conference was opened by lecturer and adviser, Faheema Ghanayem, who welcomed the participants and shed light on the college’s pioneering organizational structure which emphasizes the needs of young people, Arab communities and the obstacles which limit their progress.
Ghanayem stated that the conference aimed to distinguish the challenges and difficulties that Palestinian women face when they attempt to advance their community through active participation and contribution in decision-making positions alongside men.
In her speech, Fawzeya Kittani, an educational consultant and the spokesperson of Baqa Al Gharbeya’s Women Forum, further emphasized Palestinian women’s role and their right to place their mark on the political and social map, emphasizing that they are as competent as men.
The director of the Mossawa Center, Jafar Farah, stated that the conference is a major stepping stone towards the aim of raising more awareness about the empowerment of women, which relies on equality in social and political decision-making. It is important, he confirmed, to create a productive work atmosphere which will help boost the progress of the Arab community.
The conference also included a lecture by the chair of the Knesset’s Committee on the Status of Women and Gender, MK AidaTouma-Sliman. The lecture encompassed numerous subjects focusing on the way the political field discriminates between men and women’s rights.
In addition, a discussion circle of women who are experienced in the political field was led by Naeema Qaadan, an educational consultant and participant of the Leading Women course. The discussion allowed for questions about the decision to run as a candidate for local councils, the reasons to aim for communal partnership, and the challenges and obstacles women face.
The participants were: FadwaMowassi, president of Baqa Al Gharbeya Women’s Forum, educator and former candidate for Baqa’s city council, Areen Abdi, councilwoman in Haifa, Maysam Jaljoli, president of Hadash’s body in Naamat, president of Naamat in the southern triangle region, and a candidate in the elections of Naamat and Hestadrout, and Bruine Azb, an educational counselor and presidential candidate for Kufr Qaraa’s council.
The event concluded with a musical performance by artist Aya Khalaf and her band.
In conclusion, this conference ensured Baqa Al Gharbeya’s place on the female political map. It is hoped that it will continue to spread awareness and encouragement among Palestinian women in the social and political arenas of the Arab communities.
