The Minister of Women's Affairs discusses with the Chargé d'Affaires of the Norwegian Embassy ways to enhance cooperation on women's issues.

Ramallah, August 20, 2026 – The Minister of Women's Affairs, Ms. Mona Al Khalili, met at the premises of the Ministry with the Chargé d'Affaires of the Norwegian Embassy to the State of Palestine, Erik Berghoff, and his accompanying delegation, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and networking on issues related to Palestinian women.

Al-Khalili welcomed the delegation, appreciating Norway's supportive stance on the Palestinian cause, and emphasizing the importance of the international role in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people, especially in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression.

Al-Khalili confirmed that the Israeli aggression has left deep repercussions on women and girls in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem, affecting various aspects of health, nutrition, social, economic, and educational life, in addition to, the   impact of checkpoints, closures, and escalating occupation policies in Jerusalem. This situation requires effective international intervention to stop the aggressions of the occupation and settlers and to establish an independent Palestinian state.

She added that the Ministry of Women's Affairs continues its work on protecting and empowering women and enhancing their participation through the protection system under the umbrella of the National Committee to Combat Violence Against Women. The committee includes the National Observatory for Monitoring Violence Against Women, the National Referral System, and the management of high-risk cases, as well as the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325. Additionally, it focuses on economic empowerment through the initiative launched by the ministry in the governorates to support women's institutions, grassroot associations, and individual projects, especially in marginalized areas and camps, and enhancing women's political participation and ensuring their presence in any upcoming elections at a rate of no less than 30%. Furthermore, it continues its advocacy and international pressure efforts for Palestinian women's issues, referring to the decision issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Council regarding the situation of Palestinian women under occupation, and commending the UN Secretary-General's report that included Israel in the list of countries using sexual violence as a tool of war.

For his part, Bergraf emphasized the deep historical relationship between Norway and Palestine, appreciating the efforts of the Ministry of Women's Affairs and its direct work with women, stressing the importance of economic empowerment and support for small projects and women's associations, due to their extended impact on women, their families, and their local communities.

He pointed to Norway's interest in the recovery and reconstruction file in Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of continuing cooperation and supporting efforts aimed at enhancing women's resilience and empowering them through sustainable economic empowerment programs.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Al Khalili affirmed the Palestinian government's commitment and accession to international agreements, and its continued work on the related international reports, alongside efforts aimed at overcoming the reality of legal pluralism in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem, and working toward enacting Palestinian laws that protect the family and Palestinian women.

Statement from the Ministry of Women's Affairs