BZU Institute of Law Holds Gender Training

In cooperation with the Ministry of
Local Government (MoLG), the Institute of Law (IoL) at BZU held a specialized training
course on integrating gender criteria in the work of local government units (LGUs)
in Hebron governorate. The training took place on 21 January 2012, targeting LGU
staff members in the governorate of Hebron.

In the opening session, Dr. Khaled al-Qawasmeh,
Minister of Local Government, stated that gender is of paramount importance in
functions of the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG). Accordingly, gender has
been duly incorporated within the Local Government Sector strategy and in other
sector strategies in Palestine, he added.

Al-Qawasmeh confirmed that “this
training activity contributes to promoting women’s role and work and to integrating
gender as a concept and practice in the local government sector, including
relevant legislation, policies, plans and programs.”

As an outcome of ongoing and fruitful
cooperation between the MoLG and IoL, a series of training courses targeting
LGU staff throughout Palestinian governorates in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
have been organized. In this context, Al-Qawasmeh announced the MoLG’s
implementation of several activities, including a gender-based auditing program
at the Ministry.

Engineer Khaled ‘Useili, Mayor of the
Hebron Municipality, asserted that the Municipality is greatly interested in
gender issues. In this vein, it has implemented several projects that take into
account women’s needs, including sports, clubs and halls, as well as children’s
centers. ‘Useili explained that “issues of concern to both men and women
are taken into account on an equal footing.” He also stated that ongoing
cooperation initiatives between the Hebron Municipality and MoLG were designed
to develop and promote citizens’ common interests.

On behalf of the Governor of Hebron,
Mr. Marwan Sultan explained that the Governor’s Office “looks forward to
maintaining integration and contacts with gender-oriented programs, LGUs and
other institutions, including the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, women protection
centers and the Palestinian police. To enable women to pursue their potential
in various areas, the Governor’s Office also implements programs and provides
services to further develop the status of Palestinian women and highlight their
achievements. Literature on women’s rights is also significant, especially in
relation to women’s economic development.”

Representing the IoL, Program
Manager Mu’in al-Barghouthi stated that this training course “discusses gender
from specialized perspectives that are of interest to LGU staff. Accordingly,
skills and expertise, which trainees learn herein, will reflect on broader LGU
work and public service delivery in respective areas of operation and in line
with relevant needs. This training course also allows participating LGUs to share
experiences.”

This five-day training is one of ten
training courses that target LGU staff in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
governorates.

As part of the Millennium Development
Goal (MDG) on Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Women in the occupied
Palestinian territories, six UN Agencies, namely UNDP/PAPP, UN-Women, ILO,
UNESCO, UNFPA and UNRWA, are implementing a joint Program on Gender Equality
and Women's Empowerment, funded by the Government of Spain. The Project began
in 2009 and runs through 2012.