Institute of Women's Studies

Established in 1994, the Institute of Women's Studies at Birzeit is the only one of its kind in Palestine and only one of two such programs in the entire Arab world. Further, the Master program it coordinates, Gender, Law and Development, is the first such graduate program in the region.

The launching of the Institute of Women's Studies came at a critical time, when Palestinian higher education clearly needed to develop new academic and research programs that addressed the developmental requirements of Palestinian society while Palestinian women also faced formidable challenges in forging effective strategies to address basic social and development issues in order to build a society based on gender equality. Through its work the Institute aims to contribute to both these efforts through an innovative teaching program, systematic and directed research and active community and policy outreach initiatives.

Through the years the Institute has been able to develop its programs, material and human resources to attain an esteemed position among academics and policy makers in Palestine and the Arab world. The expertise within the Institute contributes and advances gender studies, policy analysis and formulation in Palestine and the region, as well as on the global level. The Institute conducts its own research as well as facilitates other individuals' and institutions' research on Palestinian women and gender relations in Palestinian society.

The Institute of Women's Studies has developed a specialized library in gender studies that has fast become an essential resource for University students, researchers and professionals in the community. The Institute also administers a scholarship fund, named after the late Dr. Hala Attalah, which targets disadvantaged women, women living in remote areas or in special circumstances. Without the support of the scholarship many of the recipients would be unable to continue their education.

Through such activities the Institute aims to develop avenues to empower women, in conjunction with the expanding network of Palestinian women's institutions, and to contribute to gender informed public and institutional policies that recognize and secure the economic, social and political rights of all citizens.