Al-Khalili and Abu Al-Rub discuss the reality of women in Jenin Governorate and ways to enhance economic empowerment.

The Minister of Women's Affairs, Ms. Mona Al Khalili, during her visit to Jenin Governorate affirmed and ensured the economic empowerment of women is a priority for the Ministry of Women's Affairs. Therefore, her Excellency was received by the Governor of Jenin, his Excellency Mr. Kamal Abu Rub, the Mayor of Jenin, Mr. Mohammed Jarrar, and the head of the General Union of Palestinian Women in Jenin Governorate, Ms. Wafa Zakarneh, at the governorate headquarters. In addition, the minister was accompanied with the presence of a delegation from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, including the Deputy Minister of Women's Affairs, Ms. Buthaina Al Salem.

His Excellency Mr. Kamal Abu AlRub, the Governor of Jenin, reviewed the reality of the governorate in light of the assaults and targeting by settlers, the destruction of infrastructure, and the expansion of settlements. He praised the role played by Palestinian women and their sacrifices, as well as their resilience in facing challenges. He also praised the role of the Ministry of Women's Affairs and its concerted efforts in supporting women, emphasizing the importance of economic initiatives and the support of projects implemented by women institutions and grassroots organizations, stressing that empowering women means and lead to empowering the entire society.

Al-Khalili emphasized that women’s economic empowerment is a priority for the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, given its importance in advancing the status of women and strengthening their social empowerment. She noted that the ministry has launched an initiative to promote women’s economic participation in a number of governorates in the North and the Jordan Valley. She added, the Ministry continues to work on expanding its scope and supporting women’s organizations and initiatives. She also highlighted the importance of political participation, noting the significant role women play in any upcoming elections.

Al-Khalili explained that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs has announced its support for a number of women’s organizations in Jenin Governorate, which are currently receiving preparatory training to ensure they are ready to secure funding, as part of the project is to promote women’s economic participation, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. Thereby, this support will be contributing to supporting women initiatives and enhancing their sustainability and capacity to achieve economic and social impact.

The meeting is part of a tour conducted by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in Jenin Governorate, with the aim of assessing the reality of women’s lives and their needs, strengthening coordination with official, civil society, and women’s organizations, and following up on efforts aimed at supporting women’s resilience and empowering them economically and socially.