The Youth Bridges project, in collaboration with the Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy (PCPD), is dedicated to bridging the gap between Palestinian communities and decision-makers. With a focus on empowering youth and women, the initiative addresses critical issues such as gender equality, inclusive governance, and social accountability across the West Bank. By equipping over 300 participants with advocacy and accountability tools, the programme fosters meaningful engagement between citizens and local governments.
Building bridges for inclusive leadership
Through gender trainings, multi-stakeholder dialogues, social audits, and creative initiatives like murals, Youth Bridges strengthens civic participation and promotes collaboration between local governments, community-based organizations, and activists. These efforts have resulted in numerous success stories, including the development of more inclusive policies and the enhancement of women’s roles in local governance. By pursuing accountability and inclusivity, the Youth Bridges project paves the way for sustainable governance and a brighter future for Palestinian communities.
What is the problem?
The Youth Bridges programme addresses the disconnect between Palestinian communities and decision-makers, particularly the lack of legitimacy and accountability of the Palestinian Authority in the eyes of the population. This gap is further exacerbated by the limited participation of youth and women in political processes that directly impact their lives. Local governments often operate without sufficient community engagement, and gender inequality continues to hinder inclusive governance. Social, legal, and structural barriers prevent women and youth from actively contributing to decision-making, leaving their voices unheard in shaping policies and services. Additionally, the dominance of traditional leadership structures and centralized governance further marginalizes these groups.
Wat do we think?
At PAX, we believe that genuine peace and stability can only be achieved through inclusive governance and active citizen participation. The gap between Palestinian communities and decision-makers, coupled with the marginalization of women and youth, undermines trust and the potential for sustainable development.
The goal of the Youth Bridges programme is to empower Palestinians, especially youth and women, to take a more active role in local governance, bridging the gap between citizens and decision-makers, and fostering greater inclusivity and accountability in political processes. By providing leadership training, mentorship, and opportunities for direct engagement with local authorities, the programme seeks to create a more participatory, transparent, and responsive governance structure in Palestinian communities.
PAX Palestine Podcast features interviews with local Palestinian organisations and peaceworkers. PAX, a peace organization based in the Netherlands, works together with committed citizens and partners to protect civilians against acts of war, to end armed violence, and to build a just peace. In Palestine we support local partners in building resilient communities, promoting human security and equality in the political, cultural and social domain, and in fighting the injustices resulting from the protracted occupation.
How do Palestinian women navigate the dual challenges of military occupation and a patriarchal society? This episode features a conversation with Niveen and Malak, two passionate participants from the Youth Bridges for Democracy and Participation project. Recorded in Bethlehem, these inspiring women from Hebron share their personal stories of resilience, pride, and perseverance amid adversity. We explore their experiences with restricted movement due to Israeli watchtowers and discuss the broader impact of the occupation on daily life. Despite these hardships, Naveen and Malek's commitment to education and ”sumud”—the spirit of steadfastness—shines through as they strive to create change in their communities.
To support community engagement and informed decision-making, PAX and the Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy (PCPD) carry out the “Youth Bridges for Democracy and Participation” project in the West Bank. This initiative aims to provide meaningful opportunities for local youth to contribute to their communities, fostering empowerment and inclusivity. By, among other things, engaging with local authorities they generate more inclusive decision-making and create opportunities for youth and young women. This interview with Niveen Mansara and Malak abu Ayash i translated by Haneen Hanna. And is hosted by Kristel.
Thanks for listening to the PAX Palestine Podcast. PAX exists because of all our supporters and partners. Donate now to help us work on peace and tell stories that need to be told. Together, we make peace work. Go to paxforpeace.nl and join us now.
PAX Palestine Podcast features interviews with local Palestinian organisations and peaceworkers. PAX, a peace organization based in the Netherlands, works together with committed citizens and partners to protect civilians against acts of war, to end armed violence, and to build a just peace. In Palestine we support local partners in building resilient communities, promoting human security and equality in the political, cultural and social domain, and in fighting the injustices resulting from the protracted occupation.
Join us as we interview Raneen Shweiki, an young voice from Bethlehem, who shares her journey with the Youth Bridges for Democracy and Participation project. Growing up amidst the vibrant yet challenging backdrop of Bethlehem, Raneen reveals how the initiative has empowered her and fellow youth, especially women, to become active participants in local governance. With the guidance of mentors like Mr. Nassif, Raneen has turned theoretical learnings into meaningful community actions, demonstrating resilience in overcoming the hurdles of military occupation and societal norms.
This episode is the second in this season that focusses on interviews with Palestinian youth in the Westbank that were part of the Youth Bridges for Democracy and Participation Project by PAX an the Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy (PCPD). This Interview with Raneen Shweiki is translated by Sabreen Mukarkar. And is hosted by Kristel.
Thanks for listening to the PAX Palestine Podcast. PAX exists because of all our supporters and partners. Donate now to help us work on peace and tell stories that need to be told. Together, we make peace work. Go to paxforpeace.nl and join us now.
PAX Palestine Podcast features interviews with local Palestinian organisations and peaceworkers. PAX, a peace organization based in the Netherlands, works together with committed citizens and partners to protect civilians against acts of war, to end armed violence, and to build a just peace. In Palestine we support local partners in building resilient communities, promoting human security and equality in the political, cultural and social domain, and in fighting the injustices resulting from the protracted occupation.
Curious about how young leaders are shaping the future of Palestine? Our latest podcast episode features an inspiring conversation with Dania Mali, a dedicated advocate from Beit Jala, who shares her transformative journey with the Youth Bridges for Democracy and Participation project. Through this initiative by PAX the Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy (PCPD), youth and women are learning to step into local governance roles, empowered with the skills and confidence to hold municipal authorities accountable and contribute to their communities.
This episode is the first one of this season that focusses on interviews with Palestinian youth in the Westbank that were part of the Youth Bridges for Democracy and Participation Project. This Interview with Dania Maale is translated by Dina Yatim. And is hosted by Kristel.
Thanks for listening to the PAX Palestine Podcast. PAX exists because of all our supporters and partners. Donate now to help us work on peace and tell stories that need to be told. Together, we make peace work. Go to paxforpeace.nl and join us now.
What we do
The Youth Bridges programme collaborates with local community-based organizations from all over the West Bank to empower Palestinians, especially youth and women, to strengthen their participation in local governance. The Youth Bridges programme organized a wide range of activities to enhance skills in political participation. Leadership training programmes equipped young people with skills in public speaking, advocacy, and project management. Over 30 dialogue sessions were held between youth groups and municipal representatives to address pressing community issues and develop solutions collaboratively. Mentorship programmes paired women with experienced mentors to support their contributions to policy discussions and leadership roles. Advocacy campaigns tackled issues such as gender equality, unemployment, and environmental sustainability through public events, social media outreach, and creative arts projects. Youth-led community development initiatives included cleaning campaigns, creating public spaces, and organizing cultural events to foster community cohesion. Additionally, youth councils were established in several municipalities, capacity-building workshops on budget monitoring and strategic planning were conducted, and cross-community exchanges facilitated collaboration and mutual understanding across regions. These efforts directly engaged over 500 participants and strengthened connections between citizens and local authorities.
Wat did we achieve?
So far, the programme has achieved notable successes. Over 500 participants have taken part in various activities, including leadership training, dialogue sessions with local governments, and community development projects. These efforts have resulted in stronger collaboration between youth, women, and local authorities, leading to more inclusive policies and a greater focus on gender equality in local governance. Additionally, youth councils have been established in several municipalities, ensuring sustained representation for young people in local decision-making. The programme has also helped raise awareness on important issues like unemployment and gender equality, with tangible community impact through initiatives like cleaning campaigns and public events.
Partners
Contact
Thomas van Gool, Program Lead Israel-Palestine