Terms of Reference (TOR)
Expert Researcher / Research Institution
Assessing Civic Space, Democratic Participation, and Inclusive Dialogue in Palestine: Women’s and Youth Leadership, Representation, and Policy Influence
Project
Strengthening Palestinian Civil Society's Capacity for Democratic Engagement, Inclusive Dialogue, and Community Resilience
Implemented by the Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD) with the support of Expertise France.
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Background
Palestinian society continues to face significant political, social, and economic challenges that directly affect civic participation, democratic engagement, and inclusive governance. These challenges have been exacerbated by the prolonged Israeli occupation, restrictions on civic space, political fragmentation, shrinking democratic processes, and limited opportunities for meaningful participation in public decision-making.
Women and youth are among the groups most affected by these dynamics despite their critical role in advancing social change, democratic governance, community resilience, and sustainable development. Although various mechanisms and initiatives have sought to strengthen their participation in public life, significant barriers continue to limit their influence on policy-making, governance structures, and democratic processes.
At the same time, innovative initiatives such as Women's Shadow Councils have emerged as important mechanisms for strengthening women's participation in local governance, enhancing civic engagement, and promoting inclusive representation within public affairs.
Within the framework of the project "Strengthening Palestinian Civil Society's Capacity for Democratic Engagement, Inclusive Dialogue, and Community Resilience," PWWSD seeks to commission a comprehensive applied research study that examines the status of civic space and democratic participation in Palestine and assesses the extent to which existing political, social, economic, and institutional frameworks provide meaningful opportunities for women and youth to engage in public life, influence decision-making, and contribute to policy development at local and national levels.
The study shall generate evidence-based findings and practical recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic participation, inclusive governance, social cohesion, and women's and youth leadership in Palestine.
While local elections constitute an important mechanism of democratic participation, the study adopts a broader perspective that examines civic and democratic participation beyond electoral processes, including policy influence, public engagement, civic dialogue, leadership, and representation.
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Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive research study examining civic space, democratic participation, inclusive dialogue, local leadership, and social cohesion in Palestine through a gender-responsive and youth-inclusive lens.
The study shall assess opportunities and barriers affecting women’s and youth participation in public life and develop a practical roadmap for enhancing inclusive participation, democratic governance, and policy influence.