The Palestinian Centre for Peace and Democracy (PCPD), in collaboration with PAX, has implemented a range of transformative projects focused on gender equality in Palestine. These initiatives aim to empower both women and men, challenge traditional gender roles, and foster inclusive societal change.
Breaking barriers for gender equality
What is the problem?
In Palestine, gender inequality remains deeply rooted in both societal norms and institutional structures, affecting women’s rights, participation, and opportunities. Women, especially young women, face limited representation in decision-making processes, limited access to leadership roles, and a lack of meaningful participation in public discourse. The absence of national elections since 2007 further exacerbates this, creating a gap in democratic representation. Additionally, the media, a key tool for social change, often marginalizes women’s voices, reinforcing gender stereotypes. These challenges hinder progress toward a more inclusive, equitable society where women can fully participate and thrive.
What we think
As PAX, we believe that achieving lasting peace in Israel-Palestine requires addressing gender inequality and empowering women to play an active role in shaping society. We recognize that true peace cannot be achieved without justice, equality, and the full inclusion of women in political, social, and economic processes. By amplifying women’s voices, challenging gender stereotypes, and supporting young women’s leadership, we aim to foster a more inclusive, representative, and peaceful Palestinian society.
What we do
The Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy (PCPD), with support of PAX, addresses gender inequality and promotes peace in Palestine, specifically the West Bank, through a variety of focused activities aimed at empowering both young women and men. In 2022, PAX organized a masculinity training retreat for 10 young Palestinian men. This initiative encouraged participants to critically examine traditional notions of masculinity and engage in conversations that promote healthier and more equitable gender roles.
In 2023, PCPD updated and revised its Gender Policy. The project aimed to ensure that the policy better aligned with current needs and incorporated a feminist perspective. By doing so, PCPD made sure that gender equality and inclusivity were deeply integrated into the organization’s work. Youth themselves played an important role is designing and deciding on the policy.
In 2024, PAX launched the Gender Inequality Project, which focuses on training 14 young men and women in advocacy, media skills, and lobbying. The goal is to challenge gender-based discrimination and amplify women’s voices. Participants learn to use social media and other digital platforms to advocate for gender equality, including producing podcasts and other media content. These learnings were shared with tens of other youth from all over the West Bank.
Additionally, PAX is committed to strengthening the leadership role of young women in Palestinian society through the Young Women Advocate program. This initiative provides intensive training in media communication, political engagement, and lobbying, enabling young women to lead discussions on TV and radio about gender equality, women’s participation in politics, and social justice. These trained women go on to host live programs, further advocating for the inclusion of women in public decision-making.
Finally, PAX and PCPD, together with Middle East Nonviolence and Democracy (MEND), launched participatory video projects which addressed taboo topics related to gender within the Palestinian society. These projects provided young women with access to key decision-makers, putting gender on the political agenda. Furthermore, young women were prepared and supported to participate in election campaigns and municipal councils, resulting in two young women running for municipal elections in 2021-2022 and over 20 others planning to run in upcoming elections.
Through these diverse activities, PAX works toward creating a more inclusive and equal Palestinian society by challenging harmful gender norms, promoting women’s leadership, and fostering broader societal change.
What we want
PAX aims to achieve lasting change in Palestinian society by addressing gender inequality and fostering greater inclusivity. Through our projects, we seek to challenge traditional gender norms, empower young people, and ensure that women’s voices are heard in political and social dialogues. Our goal is to create a more just, peaceful, and progressive society where gender equality is not only acknowledged but integrated into all levels of decision-making and community life.
So far, we have made significant strides. In 2022, our masculinity training for young Palestinian men sparked important conversations about gender roles. In 2023, PCPD updated its Gender Policy to reflect modern feminist values. Our 2024 Gender Inequality Project has trained 14 young people to advocate for equality through media, while the Young Women Advocate program has empowered women to lead discussions on women’s rights and political participation in Palestinian media. Hundreds of youth from all over the West Bank are involved and work towards positive change.
While progress is being made, we continue to work toward a future where gender equality is fully realized, and where the participation of women in all aspects of society becomes the norm, not the exception.
Partners
Contact
Thomas van Gool, Project Lead Israel-Palestine