Al-Khalili: The Zababdeh Municipality is a model for women's political participation and enhancing their presence in decision-making positions.

During her tour in the Jenin Governorate, the Minister of Women's Affairs, Ms. Mona Khalili, met with the Mayor of Zababdeh, Ms. Hala Samaan Dawood, at the municipality headquarters. The visit aimed to enhance communication with women in decision-making positions and to understand the reality and needs of women in the town of Zababdeh.

Khalili congratulated the mayor of Zababdeh on her appointment of the position, considering her the first woman to head the Zababdeh municipality. She emphasized the importance of enhancing women's political participation and their access to decision-making positions, noting that the presence of women in local leadership roles reflects the significance of their role in managing public affairs and contributing to serving their communities. She also reviewed the efforts of the Ministry of Women's Affairs in the fields of economic, political, and social empowerment, enhancing protection, and reviewing legislation and laws, noting that her visit to Jenin Governorate comes as part of launching the second phase of economic initiatives aimed at supporting women and women's institutions and enhancing women's economic empowerment.

For her part, the Mayor of Zababdeh, Ms. Hala Samaan Dawood, welcomed the Minister of Women's Affairs and her accompanying delegation, emphasizing the importance of this visit in enhancing direct communication with women and conveying their voices and needs to the relevant institutions and authorities. She praised the role of the Ministry of Women's Affairs and the exerted efforts in supporting and empowering women at various levels, commending the minister for showcasing efforts and achievements that serve the interests of Palestinian women and enhance their presence and role in society.

The discussion during the meeting focused on the reality of women and families displaced from Jenin refugee camp to the town of Zababdeh, and the support and embrace provided by the local community within the framework of societal solidarity and integration among the province's residents. It also addressed the economic and social challenges faced by the displaced families, especially in light of many men losing their sources of income and job opportunities, which in many cases has made women responsible for supporting their families. The participants emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts and directing programs and projects toward supporting the displaced, and enhancing the economic empowerment of women, which contributes to improving their conditions and strengthening the resilience of their families.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed to hold a subsequent or follow up meeting to discuss the mechanisms and importance of establishing a women's association in the town of Zababdeh, which would enhance the presence and role of women in the local community and open the door for developing initiatives and programs that respond to the needs of women in the town.