Project Summary:

• Duration: (01/05 – 12/05)

• Funding Source: European Union

Women are underrepresented in Palestinian local government, but not for disinterest or ability. Gaps exist in understanding the process of becoming an elected official.

The project aims to support/ encourage women wishing to run for local council by providing capacity building, mentoring and practical training. 66 women over age 25 are the targets. They will never have held elected office, but are active in their local community sector, but need help seeking office.

Main project activities are four months capacity building on aspects of planning for, carrying out & securing elected office followed by a five months segment helping candidates build experience in coalition development, citizen relations, public speaking, advocacy opportunities and issue clarification.

The project theme supports demo-cratisation/good governance focusing on the women’s rights/gender equality sector referring to item three.[1] Regional focus is given to West Bank areas with no existing women local council members. 

Specific Objective of the Project

• To develop female community leadership skills and enhance the role of the female citizen in Palestinian society

Overall Objectives of the project

1. To increase the number of women serving on local councils in the West Bank.

2. To encourage more women to run for elected office at the local level in the West Bank.

3. To provide knowledge, training, build the capacity of and develop the skills of civically active women seeking public office.

4. To increase the level of women’s involvement in the decision-making processes in local councils in the West Bank.

5. To increase the level of networking and coordination among women throughout the West Bank.