RAMALLAH, March 7, 2023 – On the occasion of International Women’s Day, President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed today that Palestinian women have played — and continue to play — a pioneering and unmatched role in the struggle for freedom, equality, and progress, standing shoulder to shoulder with men despite the immense challenges they face.

In a speech marking the occasion, President Abbas hailed the Palestinian woman as a partner in the national struggle and a steadfast defender of her people’s identity, existence, and inalienable national rights.

He noted that the State of Palestine has taken a series of significant steps to enhance women’s participation in decision-making institutions, including ensuring a minimum representation of 30 percent in all institutions of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the State, and local government bodies.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to continue advancing the rights of Palestinian women to full participation and equality, in line with the Declaration of Independence, the Basic Law, and Palestine’s international obligations.

He reiterated his dedication to ensuring that Palestinian women enjoy their full rights in all fields and have equal access to opportunities in education, health, law, economics, and politics. He further emphasized the importance of enhancing their leadership roles in decision-making, the judiciary, diplomacy, academia, the security services, civil society, and the private sector.