Introduction:
In 2016, amid significant political and social challenges in the Gaza Strip, the Women’s Affairs Center continued its work to promote the rights of women and girls and support the most vulnerable groups in society. Through diverse programs, multi-sector projects, advocacy campaigns, training courses, and legal services, the Center succeeded in creating a tangible impact on the Palestinian community, enhancing women’s lives and empowering them across various fields. Below are the main achievements of the Center during the year.
1. Community Outreach and Impact
- The Center reached approximately 300,000 beneficiaries from diverse groups, including women with disabilities, widows, and families affected by the Israeli aggressions of 2008-2009 and 2014.
- Despite challenges stemming from the occupation, political division, blockade, and traditional social norms, the Center maintained balanced service delivery through capacity building, research and information, advocacy, and media initiatives.
2. Advocacy Campaigns and Global Events
- International Women’s Day (March 8): A public celebration attended by around 600 participants, alongside the 11th “Our Women’s Products” exhibition featuring 46 projects, visited by approximately 12,000 people.
- Campaign Against Violence Against Women: Events under the theme “Early Marriage Denies Girls Their Right to Education,” including theatrical performances, films, traditional dance, and the “I’m Still a Child” campaign reaching around 8,000 people.
- 16-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women: A central festival organized under the Amal Alliance for the Prevention of Violence Against Women, attended by hundreds from across Gaza.
3. Training Courses and Workshops
- The Center conducted around 30 training courses, benefiting more than 700 participants in areas such as small business development, gender equality, leadership skills, reproductive health, advocacy, and media identity for female journalists.
- Provided 25 microloans of 8,000 ILS each to support women’s small projects.
4. Publications and Magazines
- Issued 4 editions of Al-Ghidaya women’s magazine covering inheritance rights, rights of persons with disabilities, reproductive health, and early marriage.
- Published studies and reports on women-owned small businesses, gender-based trauma, access to justice for women with disabilities, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence.
- Produced documentary and narrative films, and organized the 2nd Women’s Cinema Carnival under the theme “Women for Change,” showcasing 9 Palestinian films addressing women’s and youth issues.
5. Media and Social Media
- Published around 150 news articles and reports, with coverage on local and international channels such as BBC, Al Jazeera, Al-Kofiya, and Palestine Today.
- Social media presence: 20,000 followers on Facebook, 2,000 on Twitter, and 13,000 views on YouTube.
6. Legal Clinic and Services
- Provided 100 legal consultations, represented 80 women in Sharia courts, and obtained 120 favorable judgments for women.
- Positive impact on beneficiaries, who became guides for other women seeking legal advice, increasing trust in the legal clinic.
7. Implemented Projects
- Carried out 16 main projects, including: economic empowerment for women with disabilities, gender-based violence prevention, legal empowerment for women in marginalized areas, support for university graduates, reproductive rights promotion, and more, in partnership with organizations such as GIZ, European Union, UNFPA, NRC, Penny Appeal, and other local and international entities.
Conclusion:
The Women’s Affairs Center – Gaza successfully responded to the diverse needs of women, girls, and the broader Palestinian community in 2016, focusing on the most vulnerable groups. Through multi-sector projects, advocacy campaigns, training programs, legal services, and media publications, the Center achieved a tangible and lasting impact on local society, advancing women’s rights and empowerment.