BACKGROUND CSW Topic A: Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Palestinian Wom- en Topic B: Women's Participation - IMUNA
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BACKGROUND CSW
GUIDE
Topic A: Protecting the Rights
and Welfare of Palestinian Wom-
en
Topic B: Women’s Participation
2 0 2 1 and Role in Government
Email: info@imuna.org
Phone: +1 (212) 652-9992
Web: www.nhsmun.org
Secretary-General Greetings delegates!
Maura Goss
I am so excited to welcome you to CSW, one of the greatest committees of NHSMUN 2021! My
Directors-General
name is Jasmeet Khatkar, and I am honored to be serving as your Director for Session I. My co-
Rose Blackwell
director, Hayle Turner, and I have put together two great topics for debate this year. I hope you will
JJ Packer
use this background guide as a great starting point for your research.
Conference Services
Hannah Lilley I would like to do a quick introduction of myself before diving into this year’s topics. I am a third-
Alisa Wong year university student at the University of Calgary, where I have lived my entire life. I am currently
Delegate Experience completing my Bachelors of Science and majoring in psychology, and I plan on continuing with a
Akanksha Sancheti Master’s in Applied Child Psychology. Throughout high school, I was a part of my Model United
John Wood Nations team, where I had the opportunity to attend and staff multiple local and international con-
ferences. This is also my second year of participating in NHSMUN staff! Outside of university, I
Global Partnerships
Sofia Fuentes volunteer as a research assistant in a lab and as a research volunteer at a local counseling center. I
Salmaan Rashiq also spend time with seniors in my community through Alberta Health Services and volunteer with
Kids Cancer Care. In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes with my dog and camping.
Under-Secretaries-
General After much contemplation, Hayle and I decided that this year’s simulation of CSW would discuss
Jon Basile
solutions for “Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Palestinian Women,” and “Women’s Participa-
Ankita Bhat
tion and Role in Government.” These topics are relevant and intricate issues that require all del-
Beatriz Circelli
Caitlyn Johnson egates to take a multilateral approach and take on a gender-sensitive lens. It is important to consider
Patrick Leong your country’s position and relationship to these topics when determining potential solutions that
Kathy Li can be put to use in the committee. Moreover, Hayle and I put a lot of time and effort into devel-
Pablo Maristany de oping this research tool to help prepare you for this conference, and we encourage you to make
las Casas use of it.
McCall Olliff
Abolee Raut Although this background guide is very comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the topics, it
Pranav Reddy should by no means be the only resource you base your research on. I recommend delegates not
Clare Steiner only utilize this background guide but other resources to stay up to date on the current events that
Ann Williams impact the topics. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance! We
will be more than happy to help you continue to learn about these interesting topics. I wish you all
the best of luck and cannot wait to see you all in committee!
Sincerely,
Jasmeet Khatkar
jasmeet.khatkar@imuna.org
Commission on the Status of Women
Session I
Email: info@imuna.org
Phone: +1 (212) 652-9992
Web: www.nhsmun.org
Secretary-General Dear delegates,
Maura Goss
My name is Hayle Turner, and I am very excited to welcome you to the Commission on the Status
Directors-General
of Women for the 2021 National High School Model United Nations Conference! My Co-Director,
Rose Blackwell
Jasmeet Khatkar, and I are looking forward to seeing a substantive debate where we will discuss our
JJ Packer
unique topics in a diplomatic environment. This is my fourth NHSMUN overall, with this being
Conference Services my second year on staff. I previously served as the Assistant Director for the Commission on the
Hannah Lilley Status of Women at NHSMUN 2020. Joining Model UN was one of the best decisions of my life,
Alisa Wong
and it has positively impacted me in so many ways. Jasmeet and I hope to make your Model UN
Delegate Experience experience as enjoyable and impactful as ours have been.
Akanksha Sancheti
John Wood I am originally from Columbia, South Carolina, and I am currently a sophomore at the College of
Charleston, where I am double majoring in political science and communications. On campus, I
Global Partnerships
Sofia Fuentes am involved in student government, the Honor Board, and I also serve as a student ambassador
Salmaan Rashiq for my University’s Office of Admissions. In my pastime, I enjoy cooking, listening to music, and
watching movies.
Under-Secretaries-
General After thorough research, Jasmeet and I have selected two topics that address important issues rel-
Jon Basile
evant to this committee and are pressing for women around the world. This year, our two topics are
Ankita Bhat
“Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Palestinian Women” and “Women’s Participation and Role
Beatriz Circelli
Caitlyn Johnson in Government.” Both of these topics require a nuanced understanding of how context impacts
Patrick Leong the opportunities available to women, and we believe that these topics offer a rich discussion about
Kathy Li global female empowerment. While this background guide is comprehensive, it is important to note
Pablo Maristany de that it should just serve as the foundation of your research. It is imperative that you utilize all of
las Casas your sources to represent your country as accurately as possible.
McCall Olliff
Abolee Raut Please feel free to email Jasmeet or me if you have any questions. I hope you enjoy researching these
Pranav Reddy pressing issues, and I cannot wait to see the debate unfold in March!
Clare Steiner
Ann Williams Best wishes,
Hayle Turner
hayle.turner@imuna.org
Commission on the Status of Women
Session II
CSW 4| Table of Contents Table of Contents A Note on the NHSMUN Difference 5 A Note on Research and Preparation 7 Committee History 8 Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Palestinian Women 10 Introduction 11 History and Description of the Issue 12 Current Status 24 Bloc Analysis 30 Committee Mission 32 Women’s Participation and Role in Government 34 Introduction 35 History and Description of the Issue 37 Current Status 53 Bloc Analysis 58 Committee Mission 61 Research and Preparation Questions 62 Important Documents 63 Works Cited 65
CSW
A Note on the NHSMUN Difference |5
A Note on the NHSMUN Difference
Esteemed Faculty and Delegates,
Welcome to NHSMUN 2021! Our names are Rose Blackwell and JJ Packer, and we are this year’s Directors-General. Thank
you for choosing to attend NHSMUN, the world’s largest and most diverse Model United Nations conference for
secondary school students. We are thrilled to welcome you to our conference in March!
As a space for collaboration, consensus, and compromise, NHSMUN strives to transform today’s brightest thinkers into tomor-
row’s leaders. Our organization provides a uniquely tailored experience for all in attendance through innovative and accessible
programming. We believe that an emphasis on education through simulation is paramount to the Model UN experience, and this
idea permeates throughout NHSMUN.
Debate founded on strong knowledge: With knowledgeable staff members and delegates from over 70 countries, NHSMUN
can facilitate an enriching experience reliant on substantively rigorous debate. To ensure this high quality of debate, our staff
members produce extremely detailed and comprehensive topic overviews (like the one below) to prepare delegates for the com-
plexities and nuances inherent in global issues. This process takes over six months, during which the Directors who lead our
committees develop their topics with the valuable input of expert contributors. Because these topics are always changing and
evolving, NHSMUN also produces update papers intended to bridge the gap of time between when the background guides are
published and when committee starts in March. As such, this guide is designed to be a launching point from which delegates
should delve further into their topics.
Extremely prepared and engaged staff: The detailed knowledge that our directors provide in this background guide through
diligent research aims to spur critical thought within delegates at NHSMUN. Before the conference, our Directors and Assistant
Directors are trained rigorously through copious hours of exercises and workshops to provide the best conference experience
possible. Beyond this, our Directors and Assistant Directors read every position paper submitted to NHSMUN and provide
thoughtful insight on those submitted by the feedback deadline. Our staff aims not only to tailor the committee experience to
delegates’ reflections and research but also to facilitate an environment where all delegates’ thoughts can be heard.
Emphasis on participation: The UN relies on the voices of all of its Member States to create resolutions most likely to make
a dramatic impact on the world. That is our philosophy at NHSMUN too. We believe that to properly delve into an issue and
produce fruitful debate, it is crucial to focus the entire energy and attention of the room on the topic at hand. Our Rules of
Procedure and our staff focus on making every voice in the committee heard, regardless of each delegate’s country assignment
or skill level. However, unlike many other conferences, we also emphasize delegate participation after the conference. MUN
delegates are well researched and aware of the UN’s priorities, and they can serve as the vanguard for action on the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, we are proud to also connect students with other action-oriented organizations to en-
courage further work on the topics.
Focused committee time: We feel strongly that interpersonal connections during debate are critical to producing superior com-
mittee experiences and allow for the free flow of ideas. Ensuring policies based on equality and inclusion is one way in which
NHSMUN guarantees that every delegate has an equal opportunity to succeed in committee. We staff a very dedicated team
who type up and format draft resolutions and working papers so that committee time can be focused on communication and
collaboration.
Educational emphasis, even for awards: At the heart of NHSMUN lies education and compromise. As such, when NHSMUN
does distribute awards, we de-emphasize their importance in comparison to the educational value of Model UN as an activity.
CSW 6| a noTe on The nhSMUn DifferenCe NHSMUN seeks to reward schools whose students excel in the arts of compromise and diplomacy. More importantly, we seek to develop an environment in which delegates can employ their critical thought processes and share ideas with their counterparts from around the world. We always prioritize teamwork and encourage our delegates to engage with others diplomatically and inclusively. In particular, our daises look for and promote constructive leadership that strives towards consensus, as delegates do in the United Nations. Realism and accuracy: Although a perfect simulation of the UN is never possible, we believe that one of the core educational responsibilities of MUN conferences is to educate students about how the UN System works. Each NHSMUN committee is a simulation of a real deliberative body so that delegates can research what their country has said in the committee. Our topics are chosen from the issues currently on the agenda of that committee (except historical committees, which take topics from the appropriate time period. This creates incredible opportunities for our delegates to do first-hand research by reading the actual statements their country has made and the resolutions they have supported. We also incorporate real UN and NGO experts into each committee through our committee speakers program and arrange for meetings between students and the actual UN Permanent Mission of the country they are representing. No other conference goes so far to deeply immerse students into the UN System. As always, we welcome any questions or concerns about the substantive program at NHSMUN 2021 and would be happy to discuss NHSMUN pedagogy with faculty or delegates. Delegates, it is our sincerest hope that your time at NHSMUN will be thought-provoking and stimulating. NHSMUN is an in- credible time to learn, grow, and embrace new opportunities. We look forward to seeing you work both as students and global citizens at the conference. Best, Rose Blackwell and JJ Packer Directors-General
CSW
A Note on Research and Preparation |7
A Note on Research and Preparation
Delegate research and preparation is a critical element of attending NHSMUN and enjoying the conference’s intellectual and
cosmopolitan perspective. We have provided this Background Guide to introduce the topics that will be discussed in your com-
mittee. This document is designed to give you a description of the committee’s mandate and the topics on its agenda. We do not
intend to represent exhaustive research on every facet of the topics. We encourage and expect each of you to critically explore
the selected topics and be able to identify and analyze their intricacies upon arrival to NHSMUN in March. Delegates must be
prepared to intelligently utilize your knowledge and apply it to your country’s unique policy.
The task of preparing for the conference can be challenging, but to assist delegates, we have updated our Beginner Delegate
Guide and Advanced Delegate Guide. In particular, these guides contain more detailed instructions on how to prepare a
position paper and excellent sources that delegates can use for research. Use these resources to your advantage—they can help
transform a sometimes-overwhelming task into what it should be: an engaging, interesting, and rewarding experience.
An essential part of representing a state in an international body is the ability to articulate a given state’s views in writing. Ac-
cordingly, NHSMUN requires each delegation (the one or two delegates representing a country in a committee) to write a posi-
tion paper for both topics on the committee’s agenda. In delegations with two students, we strongly encourage each student to
participate in the research for both topics, to ensure that both students are prepared to debate no matter what topic is selected
first. More information about how to write and format positoin papers can be found in the NHSMUN Research Guide. To sum-
marize, position papers should be structured into three sections, described below.
I: Topic Background – This section should describe the history of the topic as it would be described by the delegate’s coun-
try. Delegates do not need to give an exhaustive account of the topic background, but rather focus on the details that are most
important to the delegation’s policy and proposed solutions.
II: Country Policy – This section should discuss the delegation’s policy regarding the topic. Each paper should state the policy
in plain terms and include the relevant statements, statistics, and research that support the effectiveness of the policy. Compari-
sons with other global issues are also appropriate here.
III. Proposed Solutions – This section should detail the delegation’s proposed solutions to address the topic. Descriptions of
each solution should be thorough. Each idea should clearly connect to the specific problem it aims to solve and identify potential
obstacles to implementation and how they can be avoided. The solution should be a natural extension of the country’s policy.
Each topic’s position paper should be no more than 10 pages long double-spaced with standard mar-gins and font size. We
recommend 2-4 pages per topic as a suitable length. The paper must be written from the perspective of the country you are
representing at NHSMUN 2021 and should articulate the policies you will espouse at the conference.
Each delegation is responsible for sending a copy of its papers to their committee Directors via myDais on or before 19 Febru-
ary 2021. If a delegate wishes to receive detailed feedback from the committee’s dais, a position must be submitted on or before
29 January 2021. The papers received by this earlier deadline will be reviewed by the dais of each committee and returned prior
to your arrival at the conference.
Complete instructions for how to submit position papers will be sent to faculty advisers via the email submitted at registration.
If delegations are unable to submit their position papers on time, they should contact us at info@imuna.org as soon as possible.
Delegations that do not submit position papers to directors will be ineligible for awards.
CSW 8| Committee History Committee History On June 21, 1946, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) created the international governing body known as the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for the sole purpose of promoting women’s rights and the empow- erment of women all over the world.1 Diplomat and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt desired for women to achieve a more active role in the affairs of the government and beyond, so she advocated for a subcommittee under the Commission of Human Rights, which eventually led to the approval of the independent committee under the ECOSOC.2 Its mandate was to “prepare recommendations and reports to the Economic and Social Council on promoting women’s rights in political, economic, civil, social and educational fields” and to make recommendations “on urgent problems requiring immediate attention in the field of women’s rights.”3CSW is also responsible for overseeing the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a concerted ef- fort that focuses on improving the women’s rights agenda in all dimensions of life.4 Further, CSW handles international disputes over human rights in a very particular fashion, following precedents outlined by the UN. For instance, CSW has a 1503 procedure to report the behavior of human rights violations, which communicates the existence of violence in a member state or instances of violence faced by women in several member states.5 CSW comprises 45 member states worldwide based on equitable geographic distribution: thirteen members from Africa, eleven from Asia, nine from Latin America and the Caribbean, eight from Western Europe and other States, and four from Eastern Europe.6 Each annual session meets in March to discuss key themes pertaining to current global issues impacting women, to adopt resolutions, and to revise their celebrated multi-year program of work. Additionally, CSW is one of nine functioning com- missions in ECOSOC accountable for implementing policy recommendations related to the progress of women.7 Some of the notable contributions of CSW include the drafting of the first international conventions to protect the rights of women, particularly the Convention on the Political Rights of Women (1953), Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age of Marriage, and Registration for Marriages (1962), and the Convention on the Elimina- tion of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1967) at the behest of the UNGA.8 With its annual sessions hosted in New York City, USA each year, CSW is a global policy-making body solely focused on achieving gender equality and women empowerment.9 Discussions amongst key stakeholders such as ministers, government officials, and civil society representatives on a priority theme determined by member states in advance culminate in creating a document called “Agreed Conclusions.”10 CSW works closely with accredited NGOs that are invited to participate in its deliberations as observers.11 In 2011, the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), Office of the Special Advisor on Gender Issues and the Advancement of Women (OSAGI), and Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) merged to 1 “Commission on the Status of Women,” UN Women, https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw. 2 “What Is The United Nations Commission On The Status Of Women (CSW)?,” Sahar Moazami and Daniel Bradley, Creation of CSW, last modified July 7, 2017, https://outrightinternational.org/content/united-nations-commission-status-women-csw. 3 A/RES/20/14, Carolyn Hannan, Aina Iiambo, and Christine Brautigam, “Short History of the Commission on the Status of Women,” United Nations Women, (2019): 4, accessed 21 September 2019, https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2019/02/a- short-history-of-the-commission-on-the-status-of-women. 4 “The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW): An Overview,” Women’s Environment and Development Organization, We Do, accessed September 8, 2020, https://www.wedo.org/wp-content/uploads/CSW-Overview.pdf. 5 “UN Commission on the Status of Women,” Stop Violence Against Women, Complaint Mechanism, accessed September 12, 2020, http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/svaw/law/un/enforcement/CSW.htm. 6 “Member States,” UN Women, Members of the Commission, accessed on September 8, 2020, https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/ member-states. 7 “About ECOSOC and its Subsidiary Bodies,” Department of Economic and Social Affairs, NGO Branch, accessed September 12, 2020, https://csonet.org/?menu=123. 8 “A brief history of the CSW,” United Nations Women, accessed September 8, 2020, https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/brief-history. 9 “Snapshot: What is CSW?” United Nations Women, accessed September 8, 2020 https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/csw-snapshot. 10 “Snapshot: What is CSW?” United Nations Women, accessed September 8, 2020 https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/csw-snapshot. 11 “A brief history of the CSW,” United Nations Women, accessed September 8, 2020, https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/brief-history.
CSW
Committee History |9
form UN Women which comprise the secretariat of the CSW.12 Multi-year programs, including the priority themes for
the annual sessions, are determined by the CSW as per ECOSOC resolutions, and consequently, the theme for 2020
was determined by ECOSOC resolution 2018/8.13 Moreover, the multi-year program for 2021-2024 for the CSW is
included in ECOSOC resolution 2020/25.14 The priority theme for 2021 is “Women’s Full and Effective Participa-
tion and decision making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the
empowerment of all women and girls.”15 In 1996, the ECOSOC resolution 1996/6 expanded the mandate of CSW
to monitor and review the progress of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) and bring a gender
perspective to activities and programs of the United Nations.16
12 “A brief history of the CSW.”
13 “Commission on the Status of Women,” United Nations Women, Commission on the Status of Women. ,accessed September 8, 2020
14 “Commission on the Status of Women,” United Nations Women, Commission on the Status of Women, accessed September 8, 2020.
15 “Resolution adopted by the Economic and Social Council on 17 July 2020,” United Nations, https://undocs.org/en/E/RES/2020/15,
published 27 July, 2020
16 “Resolutions and Decisions of the Economic and Social Council,” United Nations, E/1996/96. published 27 July, 2020.
CSW
NHSMUN 2021
Topic A:
Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Palestinian Women
Photo Credit: Danielle Alma RavitzkiTopic A: Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Palestinian Women
Introduction |11
Introduction
In the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), current humanitarian issues remain largely tied to the
impact and restrictions of the occupation. As a result of this protracted protection crisis, roughly
2.5 million people still need humanitarian assistance.1 Additionally, there are many issues regarding
gender equality in the Occupied Palestinian territories (oPt): poverty and highly gendered social roles
have increased the burden of women’s household responsibilities; after the deaths or imprisonment
of their male relatives, women have been obliged to take on additional roles as heads of households;
and women’s rates of participation in politics and the labor market remain low, despite their high
levels of education.2
Women and girls in Palestine experience varying forms of ment, and relegation to menial functions beneath their ability.
violence due to entrenched and discriminatory social norms Those who attempt to contest discrimination under the law
and traditions, worsened by the long-term effects of the pro- may find themselves denied because of antedated definitions
longed Israeli occupation. The most common types of vio- of legal capacity. Moreover, the high rate of injuries and death
lence against women observed in Palestine include domestic endured by Palestinian men due to the occupation has dramat-
violence, sexual harassment, and early marriage and femicide, ic effects on the well-being of spouses. In households where
all of which occur in public and private spheres.3 Women face husbands have been injured, women who were not previously
vulnerability in streets, workplaces, homes, and high-density working may be forced to take up income-generating activities
areas such as refugee camps, particularly in Gaza.4 The out- to provide household income.6 For those who have been wid-
dated and discriminatory laws in Palestine prevent female sur- owed, the challenges can be even more difficult in finding em-
vivors of violence from accessing gender-responsive services ployment and managing their household. CSW is particularly
and obtaining justice. Furthermore, these women often face interested in exploring these gender dynamics, in addition to
social stigma, shamed for the violence occurring to them with social, cultural, and economic factors that continue to hinder
little to no repercussions for the perpetrator.5 Without enforc- the progress of Palestinian women.
ing protections against these instances of violence and early
Women are the head of household for a significant propor-
marriage, Palestinian women cannot fully access fundamental
tion of Palestinian families. However, households led by
rights or freedoms and face major obstacles in finding equal
women experience higher rates of poverty than those led by
opportunities in society.
men, even though women-led households receive more pub-
The complex political situation, the shifting vulnerabilities, lic assistance on average. About 73 percent of female-headed
and the protracted occupation with its limitations on develop- households suffer from deep poverty, unable to meet the min-
ment and humanitarian action all create additional layers of imum requirements for food, clothing, and housing compared
potential discrimination and gender inequalities at all levels. to about 63 percent of the male-headed households.7 This
Women who can find work encounter exploitation, underpay- background guide presents several challenges towards achiev-
1 “Gender Equality in Humanitarian Action and Crisis Response,” UN Women, accessed July 16, 2020, https://www2.unwomen.org/-/
media/field%20office%20palestine/attachments/publications/2019/9/giha_fact%20sheet_eng.pdf ?la=en&vs=3125.
2 Seema Khan, “Gender Equality in the Occupied Palestinian Territories,” Governance and Social Development Resource Centre,” May 15, 2009,
http://gsdrc.org/docs/open/hd601.pdf.
3 Khan, “Gender Equality in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”
4 “Ending Violence Against Women in Palestine,” UN Women, accessed July 16, 2020, https://www2.unwomen.org/-/media/field%20of-
fice%20palestine/attachments/publications/2019/9/evaw_fact%20sheet_%20eng.pdf ?la=en&vs=3124.
5 “Ending Violence Against Women in Palestine,” UN Women, accessed July 16, 2020, https://www2.unwomen.org/-/media/field%20of-
fice%20palestine/attachments/publications/2019/9/evaw_fact%20sheet_%20eng.pdf ?la=en&vs=3124.
6 Simel Esim and Eileen Kuttab, “Women’s Informal Employment in Palestine: Securing a Livelihood Against all Odds,” Economic Research
Forum, accessed July 15, 2020, https://erf.org.eg/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/0213EsimKuttab.pdf.
7 Seema Khan, “Gender Equality in the Occupied Palestinian Territories,” Governance and Social Development Resource Centre,” May 15, 2009,
http://gsdrc.org/docs/open/hd601.pdf.12|TH opic A: Protecting the Rights and Welfare of
istory and Description of the Issue
Palestinian Women
ing gender equality in Palestine while attempting to pinpoint states—Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Transjordan—imme-
specific issues faced by Palestinian women. While the nuances diately after the Israeli Declaration of Independence.11 Israel
of this topic expand beyond the scope of this guide, delegates was victorious, and the peace treaty ending the war expanded
should use this context-driven resource as a foundation for Israel’s borders beyond the allocation from the UN. However,
researching the female experience in the oPt. By addressing this led to the expulsion of Palestinians in the newly occupied
the constraints and obstacles faced by Palestinian women, im- territories. It also led to Egypt and Transjordan occupying the
proved gender-sensitive plans can be implemented towards Arab parts of the partition, including what is today known as
uplifting their position in all spheres of society. the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Palestinian refugees that
fled to these areas were not granted citizenship in their new
host countries, causing multiple generations of families to live
History and Description of the Issue in uncertain status. In 1967, the Six-Day War was a brief war
fought following years of friction between Israel and the Arab
Brief History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
states of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.12 This war resulted in Is-
Although the roots of the conflict in Israel can be traced for rael capturing all of the Palestinian territories including East
thousands of years, the modern conflict can be traced to the Jerusalem and the West Bank from Jordan, the Gaza Strip
founding of the State of Israel in May 1948 following the and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, and the Golan Heights
tragedies of WWII.8 During this time, tensions between Is- from Syria.13 The status of these territories commenced the
raelis and neighboring Arab states escalated due to the United decades-long struggle between Israeli and Palestinian forces
Nations (UN) plan to divide the former British Mandate of for control over the oPt.
Palestine into two states: Israel and Palestine.9 Historically,
Palestinian frustration towards this occupation was demon-
Jews and Muslims have both considered the city of Jerusa-
strated through the First Intifada, an uprising that occurred
lem to be sacred for its location of holy sites, leading to its
from December 9, 1987, until the middle of 1993.14 Israel at-
establishment as the capital city of both Palestine and Israel.10
tempted to suppress the uprising through military force and
The modern Zionist movement, which started in the late 18th
collective punishments such as mass deportations of Palestin-
century, called for Jews to the holy land. Following the horrors
ians. During this time, the extremist Palestinian Islamist politi-
of the Holocaust, the Zionist movement gained strength and
cal group called Hamas was created, calling for the destruc-
called for establishing new settlements in Mandatory Palestine.
tion of Israel. The creation of militant groups demonstrated
This eventually led to discussions of an independent Jewish
growing animosity towards Israel and resulting instability be-
state, Israel. However, this was staunchly opposed by the lo-
tween both Israel and Palestine. Rises in violence led to the
cal Arab inhabitants and surrounding Arab states. Therefore,
closure and division of the oPt into four distinct areas: the
the UN approved the partition of Palestine into a Jewish and
Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, the northern West Bank, and the
Arab state to satisfy both groups, but this declaration would
southern West Bank. The clashes also created unprecedented
only fuel the animosity between the two groups.
hardship for the Palestinian population, most of whom were
The Arab-Israeli War broke out between Israel and five Arab already living below the poverty line.15
8 “The Arab-Israeli War of 1948,” Office of the Historian, accessed June 15, 2020, https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/arab-
israeli-war.
9 “The Arab-Israeli War of 1948,” Office of the Historian, accessed June 15, 2020, https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/arab-
israeli-war.
10 “Israel,” History, las modified May 14, 2019, https://www.history.com/topics/middle-east/history-of-israel#section_6
11 “The Arab-Israeli War of 1948.”
12 “Six-Day War,” History, last modified August 21, 2018, https://www.history.com/topics/middle-east/six-day-war
13 “Six-Day War.”
14 The Origins and Evolution of the Palestine Problem, New York: United Nations, 2014, accessed June 3, 2020, https://www.un.org/unispal/
wp-content/uploads/2017/05/OE-Part-V.pdf.
15 The Origins and Evolution of the Palestine Problem, New York: United Nations, 2014, accessed June 3, 2020, https://www.un.org/unispal/
wp-content/uploads/2017/05/OE-Part-V.pdf.Topic A: Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Palestinian Women
History and Description of the Issue |13
A map of Areas A, B, and C of the West Bank14|TH opic A: Protecting the Rights and Welfare of
istory and Description of the Issue
Palestinian Women
The first step towards peace was through the 1993 and 1995 of all goods from the Gaza Strip except what the Israeli gov-
Oslo Peace Accords, which called for Israel’s withdrawal from ernment labeled as “humanitarian” into Gaza.20 The electoral
oPt.16 Both agreements sustained hope that a permanent set- defeat of the once-dominant Fatah party—which supported a
tlement for Palestine could be possible to end decades of hos- two-state solution—also highlighted the preference of Pales-
tilities, occupation, and violation of the rights of the Palestin- tinians towards a much more extremist response. In Decem-
ian people. Tangible steps were made towards peace, including ber 2008, Israel carried out “Operation Cast Lead,” its most
the 1994 establishment of The Palestinian Authority (PA), a devastating military operation on the Gaza Strip, consisting of
quasi-governmental body to administer the oPt. Further, with a 22-day aerial bombardment and deadly military ground in-
the agreements of the Oslo Accords, the West Bank was split vasions.21 In addition to the deaths of over 1300 Palestinians,
into Areas A, B, and C, each having different administrative “Operation Cast Lead” caused 3,540 homes to be destroyed
and security arrangements.17 Although the Palestinian Au- and created an estimated USD 139 million worth of dam-
thority shows signs of success, the violence in the country age to business and agricultural infrastructure.22 The general
never fully stopped. Hamas, which was not part of the Oslo situation in Gaza has since deteriorated significantly in terms
Accords, continued to launch terrorist attacks against civilian of unemployment, food security, access to electricity, and the
targets, and Israeli security forces were involved in extrajudi- quality of the living environment. In May 2015, the World
cial killings and arbitrary detention. The continuation of vio- Bank reported that unemployment had risen to 43 percent,
lence fueling despair, lawlessness, and brinkmanship among thought to be the highest in the world.23
Palestinians. Soon after, violence engulfed areas of oPt at the
The international community recognized the need to assist
end of September 2000 during the Al‐Aqsa Intifada, or the
and entrust the PA with the development of the oPt, which
Second Intifada.18 Curfews, closures, and checkpoints were
resulted in the creation of numerous Palestinian quasi‐gov-
embedded in Gaza in response to the second uprising, and
ernmental institutions being funded and managed privately.
security among Israeli settlements in oPt was further tight-
These included the Palestinian Police, as well as social, eco-
ened. This resulted in the government restricting freedom of
nomic, financial, technical, and capacity‐building assistance.24
movement of Palestinians, preventing them from reaching
Moreover, interim, quasi‐governmental institutions were es-
their jobs, students from reaching their schools, patients from
tablished in the oPt based on bilateral agreements negotiated
reaching medical centers, and farmers from reaching agricul-
by Israel and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) under
tural lands.19
the peace process of the 1990s.25 Throughout the years, there
Since 2007, two different authorities have governed the oPt, have been many attempts towards peace-building between Pal-
with Hamas in control of Gaza and the PA of the West Bank. estine and Israel, but violence has been a recurring theme. The
Following Hamas’s victory in Gaza, Israel closed down Gaza’s UN, on many occasions, has condemned all acts of violence,
main entry and exit points and banned the import and export including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement, and de-
16 Julie Marks,”Gaza: The History that Fuels the Conflict,” History, last modified August, 29, 2018, https://www.history.com/news/gaza-
conflict-history-israel-palestine.
17 Sophie Richter-Devroe, “Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Palestinian Territories,” European Parliament, October 2011, https://
www.europarl.europa.eu/document/activities/cont/201110/20111027ATT30536/20111027ATT30536EN.pdf.
18 The Origins and Evolution of the Palestine Problem
19 The Origins and Evolution of the Palestine Problem
20 Hannah Rought-Brooks, “Gaza: The Impact of Conflict on Women,” Norwegian Refugee Council, November 2015, https://www.nrc.no/
globalassets/pdf/reports/gaza---the-impact-of-conflict-on-women.pdf.
21 Rema Hammami and Amal Syam,”Who Answers to Gazan Women? An Economic Security and Rights Research,” UN Women, 2011,
https://www2.unwomen.org/-/media/field%20office%20palestine/attachments/publications2011/who-answers-to-gazan-women_2011_
en.pdf ?la=en&vs=4519.
22 “Operation Cast Lead,” Institute for Middle East Understanding, January 4, 2012, https://imeu.org/article/operation-cast-lead.
23 Hannah Rought-Brooks, “Gaza: The Impact of Conflict on Women,” Norwegian Refugee Council, November 2015, https://www.nrc.no/
globalassets/pdf/reports/gaza---the-impact-of-conflict-on-women.pdf.
24 The Origins and Evolution of the Palestine Problem
25 The Origins and Evolution of the Palestine ProblemTopic A: Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Palestinian Women
History and Description of the Issue |15
struction, especially any use of force by the Israeli occupying refugees, West Bank and Gaza “citizens,” East Jerusalemites,
forces against Palestinian civilians in violation of international and Palestinians with Israeli citizenship all have different ac-
law.26 Further, the UN has demanded that Israel cease all of cess to rights.30
its settlement activities, the construction of a wall between
The profuse number of laws and geographical divides have
Israel and the West Bank, and any other measures aimed at
led to inconsistent and complex Palestinian legislation. Ad-
altering the character, status, and demographic composition
ditionally, the varied interpretations of local law have made
of the oPt.27 Today, Israel continues to maintain its decade-
it easy for those rights to be neglected and difficult for Pal-
long closure of Gaza, limiting the supply of electricity and
estinian women to conceptualize their international rights. A
water, medical care, and economic opportunities. The UN has
survey conducted by the Arab World for Research and De-
repeatedly called upon Israel to cease its imposition of pro-
velopment (AWRAD) in the old city of Hebron (area H2)
longed closures and movement restrictions, including those
and Area C found that Palestinian women have more limited
amounting to a blockade on the Gaza Strip. Calling for Israel
to fully implement the Agreement on Movement and Access knowledge of their rights than men, as 76 percent of women
and the Agreed Principles for the Rafah Crossing, the UN rec- say they have no knowledge whatsoever of the international
ognizes that sustained and regular movement of persons and legal rights of women, compared to 62 percent of men.31 Ad-
goods is essential for economic recovery in the Gaza Strip.28 ditionally, 66 percent of women say they have no knowledge
Large-scale violence continues to have detrimental effects on whatsoever of the Palestinian Basic Law, which serves as the
vulnerable Palestinian populations, leaving communities inse- legal and constitutional framework for the Palestinian govern-
cure and enabling the conflict to persist as a rallying tool for ing system), compared to 49 percent of men.32
extremist groups. The Personal Status Laws (PSL) that regulate women’s rights
and roles within the family in the oPt are also not unified. For
Legal Rights and Status of Palestinian Women
instance, the Jordanian nationality code regulates nationality
The Israeli occupation, societal patriarchal control, and politi- affairs in the West Bank, while the Egyptian nationality code
cal instability have all greatly reduced the ability of Palestinian does so in Gaza.33 According to these codes, only men are
women to obtain basic rights. In Gaza, local laws do not of- allowed to pass on their nationality to their children or spous-
fer adequate protection to women, are often discriminatory, es.34 A woman also loses her nationality if she marries a non-
and even condone the second-class status of women in soci- Palestinian. Thus, these laws can discriminate against women’s
ety. Additionally, Palestinian law is not unified; it historically equal citizenship and nationality rights. Similarly, the PSL that
has been a mixture of Ottoman, British Mandate, Jordanian, regulate matters related to inheritance, marriage, divorce, and
Egyptian, and Israeli military law.29 Women are not only divid- child custody are based on Islamic law.35 Rights to equal po-
ed geographically, but their contexts and predicaments vary: litical and civil status, to family reunification, and to pass on
26 “Compilation of UN Resolutions and Decisions Adopted in 2018,” United Nations, April 18, 2019, https://www.un.org/unispal/docu-
ment/compilation-of-un-resolutions-and-decisions-adopted-in-2018-english-and-french-dpr-publication-a-ac-183-l-2-add-40/.
27 “Compilation of UN Resolutions and Decisions Adopted in 2018,” United Nations, April 18, 2019, https://www.un.org/unispal/docu-
ment/compilation-of-un-resolutions-and-decisions-adopted-in-2018-english-and-french-dpr-publication-a-ac-183-l-2-add-40/.
28 “Compilation of UN Resolutions and Decisions Adopted in 2018.”
29 Sophie Richter-Devroe, “Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Palestinian Territories,” European Parliament, October 2011, https://
www.europarl.europa.eu/document/activities/cont/201110/20111027ATT30536/20111027ATT30536EN.pdf.
30 Sophie Richter-Devroe, “Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Palestinian Territories.”
31 Nader Said-Foqahaa, “Caught up Between a Rock & a Hard Place: Occupation, Patriarchy and Gender Relations,” UN Women, March
2018, http://healthclusteropt.org/admin/file_manager/uploads/files/1/5cd15586228d8.pdf.
32 Nader Said-Foqahaa, “Caught up Between a Rock & a Hard Place: Occupation, Patriarchy and Gender Relations,” UN Women, March
2018, http://healthclusteropt.org/admin/file_manager/uploads/files/1/5cd15586228d8.pdf.
33 Sophie Richter-Devroe, “Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Palestinian Territories.”
34 “Occupied Palestinian Territory,” UNICEF, October 2011, https://www.unicef.org/gender/files/oPT-Gender-Eqaulity-Profile-2011.
pdf.
35 “Occupied Palestinian Territory,” UNICEF, October 2011, https://www.unicef.org/gender/files/oPT-Gender-Eqaulity-Profile-2011.
pdf.16|TH opic A: Protecting the Rights and Welfare of
istory and Description of the Issue
Palestinian Women
citizenship to spouses or children thus remain theoretical in tween men and women. Armed violence and economic col-
the Palestinian quasi-state under occupation, as any gender- lapse make it difficult for men to fulfill their previous duties
friendly legal amendments have yet to be practiced. as breadwinners and protectors while forcing women to take
on new and expanded roles to ensure their survival.40 As men
Palestinian women have the legal right to own land and prop-
leave their homes to search for work, women are left as the
erty. However, very few women do so as they are often ex-
heads of their households. Palestinian women not only take
pected by society to give their share of inheritance to their
on new tasks such as breadwinning but also the responsibil-
brothers. Men tend to keep property in their names rather
ity of caring for their children, elderly, and other household
than jointly registering it with their wives.36 One major step
duties. These changes in gender roles can also create consid-
towards women’s rights occurred when Palestinian President
erable tensions and frustrations between men and women as
Mahmoud Abbas signed the Convention for the Elimina-
household routines are broken. Although women may enjoy
tion of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in March
expanded roles within their communities, they often carry
2009.37 However, Palestine is not a UN member state, which
new burdens without any expansion of their rights.
means that it cannot participate in the CEDAW process of
initial and periodic reviews.38 Ongoing armed conflict, com- A study from 2017 on Palestinian men’s attitudes toward gen-
bined with restrictions on the freedom of movement and the der equality revealed general perceptions of gender roles: 83
inability of most PA courts to enforce their decisions, make percent of male respondents stated that men’s access to work
it extremely difficult for Palestinian women to advocate for should take priority over women’s when such opportunities are
women’s rights.39 The traditional patriarchy within Palestin- scarce.41 However, these social structures are constantly being
ian political culture has also been solidified under the PA. challenged as more and more male breadwinners lose secure
Moreover, social pressures, the different applications of the employment and income. Because of the dire humanitarian
law across oPT, and the lack of financial resources to pay for and economic circumstances, many women across Gaza are
lawyers and court fees limit women’s access to the legal system forced to find work to provide for their families. Additionally,
and their ability to challenge current conditions. Palestinian these new economic roles for women severely burden them
women’s rights activists have sought to amend the PSL on as women in the oPt are particularly disadvantaged regarding
numerous occasions by advocating for a feminist reinterpreta- their limited share of agricultural holdings, restricted access to
tion of the religious texts to provide equality between men services, and limited job opportunities.42 The customary divi-
and women. However, major obstacles standing in the way of sion of labor in Palestinian society, where women and girls
improvements towards women’s legal rights include changing bear the primary responsibility for the functioning and main-
traditional gender stereotypes and cultural attitudes. tenance of households, also has become more time-consum-
ing due to the decline in basic services such as electricity.43 In
Impact of Israeli-Palestine Conflict on Gender Roles
addition to the immense challenges posed by Israeli military
Extended periods of armed conflict or crises often cause violence and economic blockades, these women have had to
shifts in the distribution of roles and responsibilities be- work within the limits of gender and community norms while
36 Sophie Richter-Devroe, “Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Palestinian Territories.”
37 Sophie Richter-Devroe, “Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Palestinian Territories.”
38 Sophie Richter-Devroe, “Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Palestinian Territories.”
39 Andrea Ernudd, “The Role of Gender in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” Term paper, Lund University, 2007, https://docs.euromed-
women.foundation/files/ermwf-documents/8097_4.191.theroleofgenderintheisraeli%E2%80%93palestinianconflict.pdf.
40 Rema Hammami and Amal Syam,”Who Answers to Gazan Women? An Economic Security and Rights Research,” UN Women, 2011,
https://www2.unwomen.org/-/media/field%20office%20palestine/attachments/publications/2011/who-answers-to-gazan-wom-
en_2011_en.pdf ?la=en&vs=4519.
41 “Social and Economic Situation of Palestinian Women and Girls,” ESCWA, January 9, 2019, https://www.unescwa.org/file/88779/
download?token=CCOERHOL.
42 “Gender Analysis and Priority Gender Needs in Occupied Palestinian Territory,” OCHA, December 20, 2017, https://www.ochaopt.
org/content/gender-analysis-and-priority-gender-needs-occupied-palestinian-territory.
43 “Gender Analysis and Priority Gender Needs in Occupied Palestinian Territory,” OCHA, December 20, 2017, https://www.ochaopt.
org/content/gender-analysis-and-priority-gender-needs-occupied-palestinian-territory.Topic A: Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Palestinian Women
History and Description of the Issue |17
depending on the extremely low resources and capital avail- that possessions stay within the family. 46
Some community
able to them. In 2015, 66 percent of the public sector jobs in norms are also demonstrated in the tendency of women to
the West Bank and Gaza were held by males versus only 34 provide different levels of care between boys and girls. In gen-
percent by females. Similarly, females were also not equally
44
eral, mothers increasingly mention their sons rather than their
represented in the formal private sector—64 percent of its daughters when discussing those still suffering major psycho-
workforce were skilled males and 36 percent skilled females.45 logical effects from the war.47 This means that the psycho-
Palestinian social and family structures are organized around logical state of girls is often ignored or overlooked while the
the principles of patrilocality and patrilineality. Wives are ex- mental well-being of males is prioritized. It may also be that
pected to move to and integrate themselves into their hus- boys are more “capable” of overtly expressing their anger,
band’s family, and sons inherit wealth from their parents so due to dominant gender norms in which it is more acceptable
A child psychologist in Gaza surrounded by young children
44 Samira Hillis, Jumana Alaref, and Wouter Takkenberg, “Enhancing Job Opportunities for Skilled Women in the Palestinian Territories,”
The World Bank, September 2018, http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/977921537274068902/pdf/129981-WP-PUBLIC-Enhanc-
ing-Job-Opportunities-for-Skilled-Females-in-the-Palestinian-Territories-Final-Report.pdf.
45 Samira Hillis, Jumana Alaref, and Wouter Takkenberg, “Enhancing Job Opportunities for Skilled Women in the Palestinian Territories,”
The World Bank, September 2018, http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/977921537274068902/pdf/129981-WP-PUBLIC-Enhanc-
ing-Job-Opportunities-for-Skilled-Females-in-the-Palestinian-Territories-Final-Report.pdf.
46 Sophie Richter-Devroe, “Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Palestinian Territories.”
47 Rema Hammami et al., “Towards Gender Equality in Humanitarian Response: Addressing the Needs of Women & Men in Gaza,” UNI-
FEM, accessed June 15, 2020, https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/media/publications/unifem/addressingtheneedsofwom-
enandmeningazaa.pdf ?la=en&vs=1006.18|TH opic A: Protecting the Rights and Welfare of
istory and Description of the Issue
Palestinian Women
for boys to show anger and aggression than it is for girls.48 The first Palestinian political activity was carried out by Pal-
Such gender norms heavily affect the ability of young girls estinian women in Afula as a protest against the construction
to emotionally react in crises. Additionally, in the face of oc- of the first Jewish settlement in 1893.52 In the 1920s, Palestin-
cupation and conflict, Palestinian society has become more ian women set up the women’s union known as the General
conventional and religious over the last several decades, which Union of Palestinian Women. They traveled as delegations
likely further dampens young women’s independence and to England to protest the policies of the British Mandate.53
mobility.49 There are also restrictions put on adolescent girls’ Historically, Palestinian women have actively organized and
mobility in Gaza due to family fears in the context of cultural carried out resistance movements and contributed to ongoing
norms that perceive young women’s bodily security—includ- political conversations, whether with their assigned-authority
ing virginity—as crucial to their future life chances in terms or as a self-proclaimed union. Moreover, with the outbreak
of their eligibility for marriage.50 of the first Palestinian Uprising, the international media no-
ticed the active participation of women in Palestinian-Israeli
A major factor standing in the way of female advancement politics. Women’s charitable institutions, such as orphanages
is cultural norms restricting Palestinian women to remain in and senior centers, have been the center of their effective
a traditional housewife role. Adopting a community-based participation, which helped connect Palestinian women with
approach involving women and men is essential to equally the social issues of their communities.54 However, 14 percent
address these difficulties and implement interventions to ad- of Palestinian women in the West Bank and 53 percent in
dress the change required in power dynamics in a culturally the Gaza Strip live in poverty while 39 percent of Palestinian
acceptable way.51 When women at large are seen as second women remain unemployed. These high rates of poverty and
class in society, gender aspects of crises are ignored or over- unemployment among Palestinian women have limited their
looked because interventions are planned without consulting access to decision-making processes in their communities.55
or considering women. Thus, gaining the support of men for
When Palestinians were asked, “if two equally competent per-
the involvement of women in traditionally male activities is
sons, a man and a woman, were considered for the position of
crucial to the success and sustainability of the humanitarian a minister, who would you choose?” 73% said they preferred to
response. choose a man, while only 18% said they would choose a wom-
an.56 Thus, social and gender norms in society still condemn
Palestinian Women’s Political and Social Par-
women as unfit to hold authoritative positions, translating to
ticipation
lower representation in government. Moreover, the minority
Palestinian women have participated in their communities po- status of women in Palestinian political parties not only limits
litically and socially long before the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. their participation in governmental and legislative structures
48 Rema Hammami et al., “Towards Gender Equality in Humanitarian Response: Addressing the Needs of Women & Men in Gaza,” UNI-
FEM, accessed June 15, 2020, https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/media/publications/unifem/addressingtheneedsofwom-
enandmeningazaa.pdf ?la=en&vs=1006.
49 GlennWagneret al., “Exposure to Violence and its Relationship to Mental Health in Palestinian Youth,” East Mediterranean Health Jour-
nal 25, (2019): 1-16, http://www.emro.who.int/in-press/research/exposure-to-violence-and-its-relationship-to-mental-health-in-palestinian-
youth.html.
50 Rema Hammami et al., “Towards Gender Equality in Humanitarian Response: Addressing the Needs of Women & Men in Gaza.”
51 “A Community-based Approach,” Geneva: UNHCR, 2008, accessed June 24, 2020, https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/47da54722.pdf.
52 Oqab Jabali, “Palestinian Women’s Political Participation, Acta Asiatica Varsoviensia, no. 22 (2009): 1-13, https://pdfs.semanticscholar.
org/2641/d724d647244f63375100253ff08f644c00a9.pdf
53 Lucy Nusseibeh, “Women and Power in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” Palestine- Israel Journal of Politics, Economics and Culture 17,
no. 3 (2011): 46-54, https://www.pij.org/articles/1371/women-and-power-in-the-israelipalestinian-conflict.
54 Dima Samaroo, “The Political Participation of Palestinian Women in Official and Non-Official Organizations in Limited
Horizon,”International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, 2018, https://icsr.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/KPMED-Paper_The-Politi-
cal-Participation-of-Palestinian-Women-in-Official-and-Non-Official-Organizations-in-Limited-Horizon-1.pdf.
55 Dima Samaroo, “The Political Participation of Palestinian Women in Official and Non-Official Organizations in Limited
Horizon,”International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, 2018, https://icsr.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/KPMED-Paper_The-Politi-
cal-Participation-of-Palestinian-Women-in-Official-and-Non-Official-Organizations-in-Limited-Horizon-1.pdf.
56 Dima Samaroo, “The Political Participation of Palestinian Women in Official and Non-Official Organizations in Limited Horizon.”You can also read
