Alkhalili and Abu Oun discusses the development of a system for the national response for violence against women

Ramallah, April 23, 2026 – The Minister of Women's Affairs, Ms. Mona Khalili held a meeting with Dr. Sama Abu Aoun, Minister of Social Development, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Women's Affairs, with the presence of technical teams from both ministries, including the Deputy Minister of Women's Affairs, Buthaina Salem, and Akram Al-Hafi, the Assistant Deputy for Family Care and Protection at the Ministry of Social Development, to discuss ways to enhance joint work on women's protection issues, primarily the protection center system and the development of the national violence response system.

The Minister of Women's Affairs, Ms. Mona Khalili opened the meeting by reviewing the efforts made within the framework of the National Committee to Combat Violence Against Women, where national files related to protection were organized and unified, including the National Referral System, the National Observatory for Violence Against Women, mechanisms for dealing with high-risk cases. In addition to, advocacy and lobbying contexts, which contributed to enhancing the integration of efforts among the institutions under the committee. She emphasized the continuation of efforts to enhance international advocacy and document violations in collaboration with partners, which contributes to supporting accountability and addressing impunity, and strengthening the presence of Palestinian women's issues in international forums.

Al-Khalili also affirmed that the National Violence Observatory represents a qualitative step in developing the national protection system, as it will provide accurate data and indicators that help in understanding patterns of violence and directing interventions more effectively, in addition to, supporting international advocacy efforts and enhancing accountability for violations.

For her part, the Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samaah Abu Aoun stated that the development of the protection centers system is a national priority, where the ministry work within a participatory approach with the relevant ministries to ensure clarity and integration of roles.

The minister, Abu Aoun, reviewed the concerted efforts to develop the protection centers system as one of the main pillars in the national response framework to violence, explaining that the work focuses on improving shelter centers, enhancing their readiness, and strengthening their ability to provide safe and comprehensive services for women and girls.

She also pointed out the development of visitation services that take into account the best interests of children, through efforts to provide suitable environments for that purpose, and the gradual expansion of these services in coordination with relevant authorities, which contributes to reducing psychological impacts on children and improving the quality of response.

In conclusion, it was emphasized to continue coordination and joint work between the Ministry of Women's Affairs and the Ministry of Social Development to develop the protection center system and enhance the national response system to violence, ensuring the improvement of the quality of services provided to women, girls, and children, and reinforcing the integration between the relevant institutions, leading to a more effective and sustainable protection system at the national level.

Al-Khalili and Abu Aoun discuss developing the national response system to violence against women.