Women, Political Participation & Decision-Making (Fact Sheet)

Several international instruments emphasize the right of women to political participation and access to decision-making positions. The Basic Law of Palestine, as well as other legislation, also emphasizes women’s right to political participation. Women’s participation in political life is important because it realizes democracy in society, contributes to higher development rates, and embodies complete citizenship rights for women. Women’s participation in political life depends upon social, political and cultural factors and, in the Palestinian case, the Israeli occupation, which hinders political practice for men and women. The creation of an environment that encourages women’s participation in political life requires overcoming economic, political and socio-cultural structural obstacles.