UN Women launches Reclaiming Power and Shaml II to advance Palestinian women’s leadership, protection and participation

Ramallah, 30 September 2026 – UN Women, with support from the Government of Norway, today launched Reclaiming Power: Advancing Gender Justice and Women’s Leadership for Sustainable Peace and Recovery in Palestine and Shaml II: Strengthening the Protection and Leadership of the Furthest Left Behind Women and Girls. The three-year programmes will be implemented across the West Bank and Gaza Strip from 2026 to 2028. 

The launch brought together Palestinian government institutions, civil society and women-led organizations, women leaders, development partners, and justice and protection actors around a shared commitment to strengthen women’s rights, leadership, inclusive protection, economic empowerment and meaningful participation in humanitarian action, recovery and peacebuilding.

Palestinian women and girls are facing conflict, displacement, economic insecurity and growing protection risks while continuing to lead households, support communities, deliver assistance and contribute to recovery and resilience. The two programmes respond by investing in women’s leadership and opportunities, while strengthening the institutions and systems needed to ensure inclusive protection and meaningful participation. 

Caitlin Chittenden, Deputy Special Representative, UN Women Palestine, said: 

“Women are not merely impacted by crisis; they are responding to it every day. They are leading their households, supporting their communities, advocating for their rights, and contributing to recovery and resilience. We need to work together to ensure women have the opportunities, support systems, protection services, and spaces for participation they need to do so safely and effectively.” 

Reclaiming Power: women at the centre of peace, humanitarian action and recovery 

Funded by the Government of Norway, Reclaiming Power builds on the 2023–2025 Palestinian Women Lead the Way programme and seeks to institutionalize and scale up women’s leadership across peace and security, humanitarian action and recovery. It will strengthen women-led civil society organizations; support a national network of women peacebuilders and mediators; expand women’s participation in local committees, national dialogue, early recovery and reconstruction processes; and support the implementation and monitoring of the Palestinian National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325. 

The programme also advances women’s economic empowerment through safe and accessible spaces, employability and vocational training, business development services, and support to women-led microenterprises and cooperatives. Applying the Leave No One Behind principle, it prioritizes women facing heightened barriers, including displaced women and girls, women with disabilities and women-headed households. 

H.E. Ms. Mona Al-Khalili, Minister of Women’s Affairs, said: 

“Strengthening women’s resilience requires moving beyond a response based solely on providing assistance to investing in women’s capacities for self-reliance, access to employment, income and services, and stronger participation and leadership. Protection and women’s economic and social empowerment must be pursued as integrated pathways within national policies.” 

Shaml II: inclusive protection and leadership for women furthest left behind 

Shaml II, also funded by the Government of Norway, builds on the first phase of Shaml and is grounded in the Leave No One Behind principle. It focuses on women who face some of the greatest barriers to protection and recovery, including women with disabilities, particularly older women with disabilities; women who use drugs; and women engaged in sex work. 

The programme brings together two complementary pillars: inclusive protection systems and empowerment and leadership. It strengthens shelters and protection services, rehabilitation and reintegration pathways, institutional capacities and referral systems, while promoting survivor-centred support. It also builds women’s leadership and advocacy skills, strengthens participation in recovery and peacebuilding, and supports women-led and disability-led organizations. 

Shaml II is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, ADWAR Association and Center for Women's Legal Research, Counseling and Protection (CWLRCP), with an emphasis on national ownership, inclusive implementation, sustainability and systems change. 

The Ministry of Social Development said: 

“Amid the growing economic and social challenges facing the State of Palestine as a result of the continuing war on the Gaza Strip, repeated incursions in the West Bank and the financial blockade, the second phase of Shaml provides important support to the protection services delivered by the Ministry of Social Development to women and girls, particularly those most affected and in need. This partnership is a cornerstone in strengthening the protection system and expanding access to integrated services that respond to the needs of women and girls. It also supports the Ministry’s commitment to providing integrated pathways for protection, reintegration and inclusion, ensuring that women and girls can access their rights and services safely and with dignity.” 

H.E. Dr. Maged Awni Abu Ramadan, Minister of Health, said: 

“A health system is ultimately measured by its ability to reach those who face the greatest barriers to care and support. Every woman should be able to access quality health services that are safe, confidential, respectful, accessible, and free from stigma and discrimination. No ministry, organization, or institution can address these challenges alone.” 

From protection to participation 

Together, Reclaiming Power and Shaml II recognize that protection, economic empowerment, leadership and meaningful participation are interconnected. By combining direct support to women with investment in the institutions and partnerships, the programmes aim to strengthen the systems through which women can exercise their rights and participate in shaping humanitarian action, recovery and peacebuilding.  

Svein Olav Svoldal, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Representative Office of Norway to Palestine, said: 

“Norway is proud to support UN Women’s Reclaiming Power and Shaml programmes, strengthening the protection, participation and leadership of Palestinian women across Gaza and the West Bank. Palestinian women must have the space, resources and influence to shape humanitarian response, recovery, and governance. We continue to work with the Palestinian Authority, Palestinian civil society and UN Women to translate these principles into concrete and measurable change” 

Following the launch event, participants visited the Women’s Protection Center in Beitunia. The visit connected the discussions and priorities highlighted during the launch with ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s protection, access to services and support. 

Notes to editors 

Reclaiming Power and Shaml II are three-year UN Women programmes running from 2026 to 2028 across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with funding from the Government of Norway. Reclaiming Power advances women’s leadership, participation and economic empowerment; Shaml II strengthens inclusive protection systems and the leadership and participation of women facing the greatest barriers to protection and recovery. 

Media contact 

Manal Musleh 
UN Women Palestine 
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