History & Milestones
Three decades of steadfast commitment — the moments, decisions, and achievements that built PWWSD into a leading force for Palestinian women's rights.
Who We Are
The Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD) is a civil feminist human rights organization which seeks to achieve gender equality and combat all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence, facilitate women's access to justice, and contribute to the development process — providing psychological, social, and legal support to women.
A Journey Through Time
Foundations
Establishing the organization, opening the first legal aid clinic, and launching the national GBV hotline 121.
Advocacy & Rights
Expanding legal services, submitting the first CEDAW shadow report, and deepening community reach across governorates.
Emergency & Resilience
Gaza emergency response, strengthened partnerships, and expanded economic empowerment initiatives.
Regional Leadership
Co-founding regional feminist networks, 35 years of service, and reaching 280,000+ women and girls across Palestine.
Landmark Achievements
Three milestones that changed the landscape for Palestinian women.
National GBV Hotline 121
The first free, 24/7 gender-based violence hotline in Palestine — connecting women in crisis to immediate legal and psychological support.
GBV PreventionCEDAW Shadow Report
Palestine's first civil society shadow report to the CEDAW Committee in New York — documenting 34 key violations of women's rights.
International AdvocacyGaza Emergency Programme
PWWSD's first comprehensive emergency response in Gaza — reaching 5,000 women and girls with psychosocial support, legal aid, and economic recovery amid conflict.
Emergency ResponseEvery milestone in our history is a testament to the courage of Palestinian women who dared to demand their rights — and a reminder of how far we still have to go.
The Full Timeline
From our founding in Ramallah in 1989 to leading regional feminist networks today.
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1981
Origins in Labor Organizing (Late 1970s–1981)
In the year 1981, the Union of Palestinian Working Women Committees was formed, and the doors for membership and benefiting from the services were opened for all women from the various sectors and geographical areas in both the West Bank (including Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip.
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1991
Institutionalization and Expansion (1981–1991)
In the year 1991, it was officially registered in Jerusalem under the name (Women Workers Society) according to the laws applied by the occupation at that time.
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1995
From Beijing to a Broader Rights Agenda
In 1995, PWWSD, alongside other women's organizations, participated in the Beijing Conference and the process that followed. PWWSD recognized the importance of linking its struggle for women’s rights to related international conventions, treaties, and frameworks.
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1997
The first national campaign against violence against women
PWWSD continued its efforts to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights under the ruling of PNA and tried to connect its work with the international frameworks related to it. In this regard, the year 1997 witnessed the first national campaign against violence against women in accordance with the international campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women. Through this campaign, PWWSD was one of the first national CSOs to start connecting women’s issues with the international frameworks.
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1998
Shadow Council
In 1998, PWWSD proposed forming Shadow Councils as a formal incubator to organize women and increase their involvement in decision-making circles. The Shadow councils were dedicated to monitoring the performance of the local authorities and ensuring that gender determinants are taken into consideration. PWWSD was among the first organizations to recognize the lack of political will to engage women in decision-making; consequently, efforts were made to eliminate the barriers that hinder women’s participation in decision-making.
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2000
PWWSD was officially Registered by the Palestinian Ministry of Interior
The year 2000 represents one of the beginning of one of the significant periods in the history of PWWSD. The organization was officially registered by the Palestinian Ministry of Interior, under registration number (RA/279/C), and witnessed several institutional and programming developments. At the start of the second Intifada (September 2000), the overall security and economic circumstances in Palestine deteriorated due to the attacks by the occupation. The closure imposed on the Palestinian localities resulted in damage to the quality of life of the entire population.
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2000-2010
PWWSD’s work expanded in scope
As PWWSD’s work expanded in scope and complexity, particularly in the post-2000 period, the organization increasingly rooted its approach in international human rights frameworks. Global instruments such as CEDAW, the Beijing Platform for Action, and UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security became key references guiding both its advocacy and programming. This alignment helped PWWSD connect local struggles with global commitments, reinforcing its efforts to advance gender equality, promote accountability, and translate international norms into meaningful change on the ground.
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from 2000
Shifting from Project-Oriented to Program Orientation
As part of the institutional process of PWWSD, it shifted from implementing projects to programs. All the activities of PWWSD were grouped under three major Programs: Women Empowerment in the Decision-Making Process, Women Economic Empowerment, and Psychological Counseling and Combating GBV. Working through programs enabled the organization to expand its interventions geographically and demographically. PWWSD started targeting youth, mainly young women, in its activities.
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from past
A Rights-Based Approach at the Core of Our Work
Throughout its history, PWWSD has adopted a rights-based approach that places the dignity, agency, and rights of women and marginalized groups at the center of all interventions. Rather than viewing beneficiaries as passive recipients of assistance, PWWSD has consistently worked to empower women as rights-holders capable of claiming and exercising their rights.
Programs at a Glance
Be Part of Our Next Chapter
Our history shows what is possible. Our strategic plan outlines where we are going next.