Young advocates are equipped with the tools and knowledge to advocate for women’s rights

Under #HAYAJointProgramme, the Palestinian Working Women Society for Development (PWWSD) conducted a three-day training in Ramallah that targeted female and male participants from various backgrounds to increase their knowledge on women's rights, gender-based violence, and advocacy. This training aimed to bridge the gap in legal education, ensuring that both female and male professionals are well-equipped to address these critical issues. By incorporating feminist perspectives, 30 participants were empowered to actively promote gender equality and combat violence against women within their legal practices and other professions. Miral, a lawyer, reflected on her experience, saying, "I thought I had extensive knowledge as a lawyer, but when it comes to practice and real-life scenarios, there's always more to learn. This training has given me a much wider understanding."

The diverse group of participants included lawyers and professionals from various fields and age groups, fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Engaging in debates and discussions was a highlight of the training, allowing participants to explore different perspectives on women's rights, legal frameworks, and the effects of social norms. Nour, one of the participants, shared, "I am not a lawyer, but I have learned a lot, and this training influenced a big change within me. I dared to speak up in new environments and new discussions about women's rights." Manar emphasized the relevance of these discussions to everyday life, stating, "These discussions are very relevant to our daily lives. Even if the issues don't affect us directly, they impact those around us. Having a safe, open environment where we can come and talk about these topics is very important."

The outcome of these discussions was a renewed commitment from participants to advocate for women's rights and social justice. The training also focused on capacity building for decision-makers, equipping them with the skills to continue advocating for these causes. PWWSD plans to expand these initiatives to reach more regions and legal professionals, furthering their mission to create a more equitable legal landscape for women in Palestine.