training course on Integrating Gender Criteria in the Work of Local Government Units
Integrating Gender Criteria in the Work of Local Government Units in Hebron Governorate
Hebron: Saturday, 21 January 2012 – In cooperation with the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), the Institute of Law (IoL) at Birzeit University launched a specialised training course on Integrating Gender Criteria in the Work of Local Government Units. The training event targets staff members of local government units (LGUs) in the governorate of Hebron.
In the opening ceremony, Dr. Khaled al Qawamis, Minister of Local Government, stated that gender was of paramount importance in in functions of the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG). Accordingly, gender has been duly incorporated within the Local Government Sector Strategy as well as in other sector strategies in Palestine.
“Palestinian women have made considerable contributions as strugglers, housewives and educated persons. Women have contributed a great deal to functions of local government units (LGUs). These training courses play a significant role in invigorating the potential of the Palestinian society.” Dr. Al Qawasmi stated.
Dr. Al Qawasmi also confirmed that “this training activity is part of contributions made to further promote women’s role and work and to integrate gender as a concept and practice in the local government sector, including in relevant legislation, policies, plans and programmes.” As an outcome of ongoing, fruitful cooperation between the MoLG and IoL at Birzeit University, a series of training courses targeting LGU staff throughout Palestinian governorates in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have been organised. In this context, Dr. Al Qawasmi announced that the MoLG implemented several activities, including a gender-based auditing programme at the Ministry.
Engineer Khaled al ‘Useili, Chairman of the Hebron Municipality, asserted that the Municipality was greatly interested in gender issues. In this vein, it has implemented several projects that take account of women’s need, including sports clubs and halls as well as children’s centres. Stressing that the Municipality is working towards alleviating conditions of marginalised groups, Mr. Al ‘Useili explained that “issues of both men and women are taken into account on an equal footing”. He also stated that ongoing cooperation initiatives between the Hebron Municipality and MoLG were designed to develop and promote citizens’ common interests.
On behalf of the Governor of Hebron, Mr. Marwan Sultan explained that the Governor’s Office “looks forward to maintaining integration and contacts with gender-oriented programmes, LGUs and other institutions, including the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, women protection centres and Palestinian Police. To release the potential of women in various areas, the Governor’s Office also implements programmes and provides services to further develop the status of Palestinian women and highlight their achievements. Literature on women’s rights is also significant, especially in relation women’s economic development.
Representing the IoL, Advocate Mu’in al Barghouthi, Director of the Project, stated that this training course “discusses gender from specialised perspectives that are of interest to LGU staff. Accordingly, skills and expertise, which trainees learn in this training event, will reflect on broader LGU work and public service delivery in respective areas of operation and in line with relevant needs. This training course also allow participating LGUs to exchange experiences. Advocate Al Barghouthi also expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Minister of Local Government, Chairman of the Hebron Municipality and Deputy Governor of Hebron in launching this training event, reflecting a high level interest in gender issues.
This training is one of 10 training courses that target LGU staff in the West Bank and Gaza Strip governorates. In tandem with the training curriculum, a select number of professional trainers are providing training on several relevant themes. The training course is scheduled for five days.
As part of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Women in the occupied Palestinian territory, six UN Agencies, namely UNDP/PAPP, UN-Women, ILO, UNESCO, UNFPA and UNRWA, are implementing a Joint Programme funded by the Government of Spain on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, covering the period 2009-2012. The Program aims to achieve three major Outcomes:
1. Reducing gender based violence and all form of violence against women and the girl child;
2. Increasing the representation of women’s and women’s issues in decision making bodies;
3. Advancing equal opportunities for women’s economic participation, especially women survivors of gender based violence.
With reference to output 1.3 “Capacity to provide refuge, security, and access to justice strengthened” and output 2.2, “Organize training and workshops to raise awareness on gender in local authorities and related NGOs”, UNDP seeks to:
1. Develop specialised curricula and training material and conduct training for judges, lawyers and prosecutors on gender issues and the provision of assistance to victims of violence and gender based violence.
2. Provide gender awareness training to local government staff in 15 districts to develop their capacity on mainstreaming gender in district development planning and service provision.
2. Provide gender awareness training to local government staff in 15 districts to develop their capacity on mainstreaming gender in district development planning and service provision.
