UN Women, through Sawasya III Joint Programme and in partnership with the High Judicial Council, Holds an Open Meeting to Promote Women’s Role in the Judiciary
Date:
Ramallah, Thursday, March 6, 2025 – As part of ongoing efforts to promote gender equality within the High Judicial Council, an open meeting was held yesterday in Ramallah in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event aimed to discuss ways to empower women and enhance their role in the judiciary.
The meeting was attended by H.E Chancellor Judge Mohammed Abdghani Al-Iwawi, Chief Justice, H.E Judge Iman Naser Eddin, Deputy Chief Justice, Head of the female judges and public prosecutions forum, as well as Ms. Maryse Guimond, UN Women Special Representative in Palestine, and Ms. Hanan Qamar, rule of law and protection specialist on behalf on Mr. Simon Ridley, The Sawasya III Joint Programme Manager—a programme jointly implemented by UNDP, UN Women and UNICEF.
The open meeting aimed to highlight the leadership roles Palestinian women hold within the judiciary through various positions they occupy in the sector. It also served as a platform to discuss the achievements of the HJC in promoting gender equality, empowering Palestinian women in the judiciary, and enhancing their access to decision-making positions. The discussions also delved into the challenges women face in this field and explored opportunities to address these challenges, ensuring that women can assume leadership roles in the judicial profession.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Ina Lukac-Orange, Head of cooperation as well as Ms. Madeleine Sourisseau, Second Secretary, from the Representative Office of Canada. In light of the fact that Sawasya III Joint Programme is funded by the Governments of Canada, Sweden and the Netherlands, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and the European Union.
The event also brought together a distinguished group of judges, administrative staff from the HJC, and representatives from UNDP, UN Women and UNICEF.
Ms. Maryse Guimond, UN Women Special Representative in Palestine, stated:
"Despite the immense challenges faced by Palestinian women, particularly in the current circumstances, they have demonstrated exceptional leadership across various fields in Palestine.
Today, we had the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the experiences of women within the judiciary, their achievements, and the challenges they encounter. We take great pride in the accomplishments of women in the HJC and remain committed to providing the necessary support to enhance their access to decision-making positions and ensure their access to justice."
For his part, H.E Chancellor Judge Mohammed Abdghani Al-Iwawi, Chief Justice, emphasized: "Women play a fundamental role within the HJC, with many excelling in both judicial and administrative roles. We will continue to support and strengthen women's access to decision-making positions and create an enabling and supportive work environment for them."
The meeting also featured a presentation on the experience of the Gender Unit within the HJC. Ms. Lamia Assi, Acting Head of the Gender Unit, highlighted the unit’s achievements and its role in integrating gender issues within the Council’s work environment. Additionally, Engineer Lama Ghazal, representing the Gender Support Team, shared insights on the team’s role in advancing gender equality. The event also included the presentation of success stories showcasing the role of women in promoting justice and upholding the rule of law.
H.E Judge Iman Naser Eddin, Deputy Chief Justice, Head of the female judges and public prosecutions forum stated: “We feel a deep sense of responsibility toward our role and our pursuit of justice for women and society in the female judges and public prosecutions forum. As mothers and daughters of this society, we see the forum not merely as a professional gathering but as a platform that reflects women's determination to be active participants in building a society that respects rights and upholds justice. From within the courtrooms and through our noble mission of upholding the law, we prove every day that women are not just partners in achieving justice—they are fundamental pillars of it."”
This meeting reflected the commitment of the HJC, with continuous support from the Sawasya III Joint Programme, to promote gender equality and foster a more inclusive and equitable environment. Participants reaffirmed the importance of collective efforts to ensure broader and more effective participation of women in the judiciary, strengthening their ability to assume leadership roles and contribute to the overall development of the judicial system.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Rinad Khashan, Sawasya Joint Programme
Communication Coordination Associate.
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