Amal Syam, Director of the Women’s Affairs Center (WAC) in the Gaza Strip, emphasized the importance of empowering Palestinian women economically, socially, and politically through development programs and projects that directly support their advancement.
Syam explained that women’s empowerment requires providing employment opportunities, improving access to essential services, and ensuring that women can fully exercise their rights. She also highlighted the importance of promoting justice, equality, and women’s participation in political life and decision-making positions.
Amal Syam Highlights the Impact of the Blockade and Division on Palestinian Women
The statements of Amal Syam were included in her study titled “The Impact of the Blockade and Division on Palestinian Women in the Gaza Strip.” In the study, she stressed the need to achieve reconciliation, end political division, and address the crises resulting from years of internal division.
Syam called for the immediate suspension of measures taken by the Palestinian National Consensus Government against residents of the Gaza Strip. She also urged prioritizing people’s interests and protecting them from the consequences of political disputes.
Furthermore, she called on the international community to pressure the Israeli occupation to fully lift the blockade on Gaza and open all border crossings.
Supporting Women’s Organizations to Promote Women’s Rights in Gaza
Amal Syam stressed the importance of providing sufficient and continuous support to women’s organizations and civil society institutions that offer empowerment, awareness, advocacy, and support services for women in the Gaza Strip.
She explained that continued support enables these organizations to address the deterioration of women’s conditions across various sectors. In addition, she emphasized the importance of maintaining donor support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), allowing it to continue carrying its major responsibilities as long as a just solution for Palestinians remains unresolved.
Amal Syam Calls for Stronger Partnerships and Long-Term Programs
Amal Syam called for strengthening coordination and partnerships among local, national, and international organizations. She also emphasized the importance of cooperation with civil society institutions based on strengthening and empowering their capacities rather than weakening them.
Moreover, she highlighted the need to focus on long-term programs and projects instead of short-term and fragmented initiatives. According to Syam, sustainable support enables institutions to achieve their goals and provide better services to marginalized groups, especially children, women, and persons with disabilities.
Through her advocacy and institutional work, Amal Syam continues to emphasize the importance of empowering Palestinian women, protecting their rights, and strengthening the role of organizations working to support women’s participation in all areas of society.
