Demanding a bigger role: Palestinian women in politics and decision making

The political participation¹ of Palestinian women in its many forms has been significantly influenced by Palestinian history. The male-dominated society and political system have hindered women's prominence in society and in politics. Although slowly on the rise, lack of women's representation and their voices is reflected in the low number of women in higher political echelons and in policy and decision making in general. After the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 and 1995² in 1993, women were integrated in state building processes, yet formal female participation was weak and marginalized and their representation, despite women's political activism, remained low and not to the extent hoped for. This paper sheds light on the Palestinian women's involvement in politics and decision making firstly in the pre-Oslo era under non-indigenous Palestinian government and then in the post-Oslo era after the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority, with focus on involvement in negotiations with Israel and internal Palestinian reconciliation efforts. It also focuses on UNSCR 1325, the degree of influence it has had on women's engagement and the mechanisms established to enhance a bigger role for women in politics and decision making, leading towards a larger role in nation-state building and reconciliation and peace negotiations. Recommendations are offered for measures to increase future participation.