APLA Celebrates Women Leaders in Local Governance, Reaffirming Its Commitment to Advancing Equality and Empowering Women in Decision-Making Positions

In celebration of Palestinian National Women’s Day, APLA organized a special ceremony honoring women leaders in local governance under the theme “Women’s Decision-Making in Local Government.” The event brought together inspiring female mayors and deputy mayors who have made remarkable contributions to municipal leadership and local governance, in the presence of APLA President Abdul Karim Zubeidi, Executive Director Eng. Abdallah Anati, and members of the Gender and Inclusion Taskforce.

This celebration forms part of APLA’s strategic approach to advancing justice and equality within the local governance system and reinforcing women’s representation in decision-making as genuine partners in leadership and community development. It reflects APLA’s institutional commitment to building inclusive environments that strengthen local governments’ ability to adopt responsive and equitable policies, with the support of the Local Governance Reform Program – GIZ.

In his opening remarks, Abdul Karim Zubeidi emphasized that empowering women in local governance is a cornerstone of APLA’s institutional transformation, noting that the presence of Palestinian women in municipal and village councils is not an exception but a reflection of a national consciousness rooted in justice and participation as foundations of good governance. He added that gender equality is not a separate component but an integral working methodology that APLA mainstreams across all its institutional levels and programs.

Ms. Nasreen Mansour, APLA’s Activities Coordinator, presented a session titled “Women’s Decision-Making in Local Governance,” highlighting APLA’s experience in promoting women’s presence within local government structures, and showcasing the role of the Gender and Inclusion Taskforce as a practical model for synergy between APLA and local authorities.

A panel discussion formed the heart of the event, featuring female mayors and council heads who shared powerful, personal reflections on leading in complex and often challenging environments — turning the discussion into a candid and inspiring dialogue about women’s lived experiences in Palestinian local governance.

Eng. Aseel Ghanem, Mayor of Deir Al-Ghusoun, spoke about leadership in the Palestinian context as a brave choice, not an easy one, describing municipal work as a space where politics and public service intersect. She emphasized that leadership close to people’s daily lives allows women to redefine political decision-making through justice and empathy.

Anwar Al-Shawamreh, Head of Deir Al-Asal Al-Fouqa Village Council and the youngest woman to hold such a position in Palestine, reflected on her journey from a traditional rural setting where female leadership was uncommon. She stated that “leadership is not granted, but earned through persistence and work,” stressing that women’s participation in local governance is not a luxury but a necessity to rebalance decision-making structures.

Khadija Othman, Mayor of Beit ‘Ur al-Tahta, shared a heartfelt account of the realities of leadership under pressure, describing it as an act of resilience and collective responsibility, rather than administrative privilege. She highlighted how women’s leadership brings a human dimension to local policy — making it closer to people’s lives and aspirations — and expressed her gratitude to APLA for providing space and recognition for women leaders to make their voices and experiences visible.

The event concluded with a recognition ceremony, during which President Abdul Karim Zubeidi and Executive Director Eng. Abdallah Anati honored female mayors, deputy mayors, and members of APLA’s Gender and Inclusion Taskforce, acknowledging their vital contributions to advancing equality, justice, and inclusive governance within Palestine’s local government system.

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