Amal Syam, General Director of the Women’s Affairs Center (WAC), emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls. She said informal justice systems can play a key role in improving access to justice. In particular, this applies to inheritance and family-related disputes.
Her remarks came during the closing event of the Women’s Affairs Center’s six-month project, “Promoting the Rights of Marginalized Women and Girls in Informal Justice Systems.” Moreover, the project concluded with a study day highlighting the Center’s interventions and achievements.
The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Justice, arbitration institutions, women’s rights organizations, community mediators, tribal leaders, arbitrators, and members of the Palestinian Civil Police. In addition, women police officers and women mediators also attended.
Amal Syam: The Project Strengthens Women’s Access to Justice
According to Amal Syam, the Women’s Affairs Center remains committed to protecting women and girls. She explained that the project was implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Justice. Furthermore, she described it as one of the first initiatives to strengthen cooperation between the formal and informal justice sectors.
Moreover, Amal Syam said the project helped resolve land and inheritance disputes. She added that it also strengthened cooperation between arbitrators, community mediators, and legal institutions.
The Project Improved Legal Awareness and Community Mediation
Project Coordinator Hala Nabhan explained that the initiative included 150 hours of specialized training. The sessions focused on women’s rights, international conventions, and Palestinian legislation. As a result, participants strengthened their legal knowledge and improved their mediation skills.
In addition, the project delivered 20 awareness workshops on formal and informal justice systems. These workshops promoted coordination between justice institutions and community mediation bodies. Consequently, women gained better access to legal support.
Women’s Affairs Center Achieves Tangible Results
Project lawyer Islah Hasaniyeh said the initiative resolved nearly 50 disputes through community mediation. Additionally, it settled 12 arbitration cases involving land ownership and inheritance issues.
Meanwhile, Legal Advisor Abdel Nasser Abu Holi praised the partnership between the Ministry of Justice and the Women’s Affairs Center. He explained that arbitration provides an effective alternative to lengthy court procedures. Therefore, it helps improve access to justice.
Participants also watched a documentary about the project’s achievements. Furthermore, the film highlighted dialogue sessions, training activities, and success stories from community mediators and arbitrators.
Amal Syam Reaffirms the Women’s Affairs Center’s Commitment
Finally, Amal Syam reaffirmed the Women’s Affairs Center’s commitment to expanding legal awareness initiatives. She also stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with public institutions and community organizations. Ultimately, these efforts will improve access to justice and better protect the rights of women and girls across Palestine.
