The Yasser Arafat Foundation, in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Women’s Affairs, held a seminar titled “The Leadership Role of Palestinian Women: Current Realities, Pathways to Empowerment, Strengthening Resilience, and Access to Justice.” The event took place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Al-Muntada Hall in the Yasser Arafat Museum. It was held in conjunction with Palestine’s National Women’s Day and under the banner of Jerusalem as the Capital of Arab Women 2025. The seminar brought together a broad audience of Arab ambassadors, representatives of governmental and human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and official bodies.
Dr. Ahmad Soboh, Chairman of the Board of the Yasser Arafat Foundation, opened the seminar by saying: "From this hall, near the final resting place and last trench of the founding president, the Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, is proud to organize this seminar on the leadership role of Palestinian women." He praised the close collaboration with the Ministry and the General Union of Palestinian Women, recognizing their pivotal roles in Palestinian society.
Dr. Soboh emphasized the deep-rooted connection between the Palestinian people, their land, and their history, describing this bond as unbreakable. He noted how, through steadfastness in both time and place, Palestinians have forged a resilient national identity that borders on the miraculous. He highlighted the role of Palestinian women as guardians of life and resilience, paying tribute to women in Gaza, those who have been martyred, displaced, wounded, imprisoned, or who continue to suffer as mothers, daughters, wives, and widows. He also honoured displaced women in refugee camps across the northern West Bank.
Minister of Women’s Affairs, Ms. Mona Al-Khalili, spoke about the extremely difficult circumstances Palestinian women are currently enduring. "Palestinian women are facing one of the harshest periods in their history," she said, "as humanitarian suffering reaches unprecedented levels. Women are bearing the brunt of displacement, insecurity, and the collapse of support networks. Yet, they remain the backbone of resilience, guardians of dignity and hope, despite losing homes, safety, and income." She added that women have taken on immense burdens, from caring for children and the elderly to managing daily life in displacement, often without shelter or income.
Al-Khalili explained that the Ministry is working with partners to implement an Emergency National Plan focused on women and girls in the aftermath of the ongoing aggression. The plan provides a framework for recovery, protection, and empowerment, aiming to place Palestinian women at the heart of national rebuilding efforts. "Our vision is clear: a safe, empowered Palestinian woman who is an active partner in the national recovery and reconstruction process."
Throughout three panel discussions, speakers explored various topics relating to women’s roles in the national liberation movement, highlighting their participation in union activism, resistance, and the ongoing struggle against occupation. They also addressed current challenges, including the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, which only paused two days prior to the event, a pause many hope signals the start of a new phase toward realizing an independent Palestinian state.
Participants and speakers underscored the historical and ongoing national contributions of Palestinian women. They called for stronger efforts to empower women, ensure their access to leadership roles, and promote equal opportunities.
In conclusion, participants stressed the importance of continuing such seminars and workshops that support Palestinian women, promote justice, and reinforce equal opportunities, paving the way toward a strong, cohesive society capable of development and progress.
