Ramallah, Thursday, 06 February 2025 – The Steering Committee of the Sawasya III Joint Programme: Promoting Equal Access to Justice for All Palestinians, a joint initiative of the UNDP, UN Women, and UNICEF, convened today in Ramallah to approve the 2025 Annual Work Plan. 

Duha Shellah, 26 years old, is a Palestinian young doctor and medical journalist. She is the founder & CEO of the Researchist, a research community working to increase youth and women’s representation in research and science. In 2022, Duha was recognized as one of the world’s 21 outstanding young physicians by the Inter-Academy Partnership in Berlin, Germany. She is also an Eastern Mediterranean Region Delegate at World Federation of Public Health Associations (Young Council). Additionally, Duha is a coordinator at the Medical & Health Sciences division of the Palestine Academy for Science and Technology. Among other things, Duha is the Student Editor-in-Chief and Ambassador at the International Journal of Medical Students.

Rehab Qtait, 35, is a mother of five and lives with her family in Khan Younis, in the Gaza Strip. To make a living, Rehab has put her skills in sewing, embroidery work and crochet to good use. But her income does not cover her household needs

Israa Abu Dawod, 32, was born with a complete vision impairment. She lives with her parents and brother (also with vision impairment) in Hebron in the West Bank. Both of her parents have health issues and are unable to work. Israa holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language Teaching, and hosts a weekly radio programme on the rights of people with disabilities. Israa was among the 300 women who received cash for work opportunities by UN Women in Palestine. Generously supported by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), UN Women’s Cash for Work Programme offers economically vulnerable women, particularly those with disabilities, temporary work opportunities coupled with vocational trainings and protection services, to help them pursue more sustainable livelihood.

Samar Al Shaer, 40, is living with a joint disability and has metal plates inserted in her leg. She is from Hableh, a rural area in Qalqiliya, the West Bank. Al Shaer is a divorced mother of three children, and she is their only breadwinner.