Ramallah – The Democracy and Workers’ Rights Center, in cooperation with the National Coalition “My Right” and with the support of the European Union, organized a coordination meeting in Ramallah on “Policies, Plans, and Programs that Promote Access to Decent Work for Women and People with Disabilities.” The meeting included representatives from the Council of Ministers, the Ministries of Planning, Women’s Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, the Palestinian Employment Fund, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and representatives of civil society.
Participants recommended the following:
Strengthening partnerships, networking, and communication with civil society organizations, particularly those in Jerusalem; developing a detailed database to guide targeted interventions aimed at integrating people with disabilities into the labor market; economically empowering women in the Jordan Valley; ensuring that all categories of people with disabilities are included in customs exemptions; training staff at vocational education and training centers to make programs more accessible to people with disabilities; enhancing the role of the Ministry of Labor to ensure inclusive work injury insurance coverage for all categories of workers, in coordination with employers and service providers; disseminating information on services provided by government agencies and chambers of commerce to ensure access for all groups; promoting the use of digital employment platforms by job seekers; expanding employment opportunities, including self-employment and entrepreneurship; adopting a national framework for flexible work in the private and non-governmental sectors; ensuring that economic empowerment projects are not limited by social status, and easing restrictions and targeting criteria for such projects; adapting workplaces to be more accessible for people with disabilities; and implementing comprehensive and integrated policies at both the national and institutional levels.
Carine Metz, Program Coordinator at the Democracy and Workers’ Rights Center, stated that the meeting aimed to empower members of the “My Right” National Coalition by providing knowledge and direct exposure to governmental programs that serve target groups, and by building relationships with various ministries. She emphasized the need to leverage all adopted programs and policies to enhance and provide job opportunities for women and people with disabilities, especially in areas facing forced displacement.
Ameen Assi, Director of Planning and Studies at the Ministry of Planning, highlighted that the ministry is working to attract projects that consider the rights of marginalized groups and is coordinating with various institutions based on the needs of these groups. He also noted that the ministry is developing legislation for public-private partnerships, which will benefit disadvantaged communities. Assi added that the Ministry’s policies include aspects of relief and emergency response, psychosocial rehabilitation, support for mental health programs, small enterprise development, and a focus on vocational and technical training.
Rami Mahdawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Funding and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Labor, emphasized the importance of unified efforts and joint action among public, private, and civil society sectors. He called for the establishment of a unified database to support the design of programs and projects that serve the public—particularly women and people with disabilities. He noted that the Ministry of Labor monitors the implementation of the legal requirement for employing people with disabilities at a rate of no less than 5%. The ministry also provides zero-interest loans for women-led small enterprises through the Employment Fund and the Cooperative Work Agency.
Buthaina Salem, Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, explained that the ministry works from the perspective of women’s citizenship, not as a matter of aid. She emphasized the ministry’s collaboration with local and international institutions to develop laws and policies that ensure justice, prevention, and protection for women. She affirmed that the economic empowerment of women and girls is a priority that requires budget allocation and the integration of women, particularly those with disabilities, into the labor market. The ministry is also reviewing social policies, encouraging labor market participation, and fostering a decent work environment for women.
Abbas Diab, Director of the Rehabilitation Department at the Ministry of Social Development, outlined the ministry’s efforts to provide care and protection for vulnerable and marginalized groups, particularly people with disabilities. These efforts include: the President’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities; the drafting of modern legislation aligned with the Convention; the adoption of a comprehensive health system by the Council of Ministers; the national referral system for protecting women, including women with disabilities; customs exemptions for vehicles used by people with mobility impairments; the development of an emergency response plan for people with disabilities; and the provision of economic empowerment projects, grants for small enterprise development, and professional development programs.
Mousa Salameh, representative of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said that following amendments to the Chambers’ Law, small and micro-enterprises, including those run by people with disabilities, can now be registered. He noted improvements in training services aimed at empowering women and enhancing their capacities to launch and grow small businesses. The chambers have also shifted toward vocational and technical training in line with labor market needs and launched the “Monshati” platform, which offers advisory services and online training—facilitating women’s access to services and financing opportunities for small enterprises.
Majd Shtaywi, representative of the Palestinian Employment Fund, stated that the fund operates three main programs: temporary and wage-based employment, support for small businesses and entrepreneurial ideas, and emergency interventions. She emphasized that these projects primarily target women and people with disabilities and include interest-free loans tailored to their needs.
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