Women Leaders Redefining Local Governance

نThe Palestinian Association of Local Authorities organized a ceremony honoring women leaders in local government bodies on the occasion of the Palestinian Women’s National Day, under the slogan “Women’s Decision-Making in Local Government Bodies.” The event brought together a group of women holding leadership positions in Palestinian LGUs, including Mayors of municipal and local councils, who have presented inspiring experiences in local governance and municipal leadership.

The ceremony was attended by the President of the APLA, Abdal Karim Al-Zubaidi, the Executive Director Eng. Abdallah Anati, and members of the “Inclusion of Marginalized Groups in LGUs” team.

Eng. Aseel Ghanem

Mayor of Deir al-Ghusun Municipality

Anwar al-Shawamreh

Mayor of Deir al-‘Asal al-Foqa Village Council

Khadija Othman

Mayor of Beit ‘Ur al-Tahta Municipality

presents a model of a mayor who views her position as a daily commitment to the people, linking equity in local policies with the quality-of-service provision

“Engaging in municipal work was not an easy decision; rather, it was a courageous choice in a reality where politics intersects with public service. From our position close to the people, we can redefine local decision-making to be more equitable and more closely connected to citizens’ lives".

A model of women’s leadership within a village council that has transformed women’s presence in decision-making from an exception into a condition protected by the community and supported by the outcomes of day-to-day work.

“I come from a conservative rural environment that did not view women’s leadership as customary. Leadership is not granted; it is earned through work and perseverance. The presence of women in local governance is essential to restoring balance within the structure of decision-making".

represents a municipality led by a woman who is close to the people, present in the details of daily life, and capable of managing challenges with both a practical and resilient spirit

“In the Palestinian context, local leadership is an act of survival and a collective responsibility, not an administrative luxury. When a woman leads a municipality, policies become closer to the people and more sincere in expressing them".