Ministry of Social Development Participates in the end of the "Haya Joint Program" to Strengthen the Response to Violence Against Women
Ministry of Social Development Participates in the Conclusion of the "Haya Joint Program" to Strengthen the Response to Violence Against Women
Ramallah, March 19, 2025 – As part of ongoing efforts to combat violence against women and girls in Palestine, the Haya Joint Program held a closing meeting attended by H.E. Ms. Mona Al-Khalili, Minister of Women's Affairs; Mr. Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Care and Development at the Ministry of Social Development; Ms. Ina Lukac Orange, Head of Cooperation at the Representative Office of Canada in the Palestinian Territories; as well as representatives from governmental and non-governmental institutions, international organizations, and donors. The meeting highlighted the program’s achievements and outlined future recommendations to strengthen the response to gender-based violence (GBV).
Minister of Women's Affairs emphasized that the Haya Joint Program has been a significant investment in securing a more just future for Palestinian women and girls. She praised the strong partnership between the Canadian government and the four UN partner organizations, which contributed to the development of prevention, protection, and empowerment systems. The minister highlighted the program’s role in addressing challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent Israeli escalations, through the increased use of digital technology and community support networks to assist women in marginalized areas. She reaffirmed Palestine’s commitment to sustaining these efforts despite the challenges imposed by the Israeli occupation on Palestinian women.
Mr. Akram Al-Hafi stressed the program’s pivotal role in supporting survivors of violence, strengthening legal capacities, and improving services provided to them. He noted its contribution to enhancing women’s access to essential services, reinforcing legal frameworks for the protection of women's rights, and expanding forensic services to provide more comprehensive legal and humanitarian support. He also called for increased international support to ensure the sustainability of these efforts in light of the financial constraints facing the Palestinian Authority.
Ms. Ina Lukac Orange reaffirmed the Canadian government’s commitment to supporting gender equality and women's empowerment globally. She noted that since its launch, the Haya Joint Program has successfully navigated major challenges such as the pandemic and escalations in the West Bank, demonstrating the importance of strong partnerships in driving meaningful change.
Ms. Hiba Jebait, Head of the Women and Gender Unit at the Ministry of Social Development, highlighted the tangible impact of the program on the ground. Since its inception in 2018, the Ministry of Social Development, in collaboration with its partners, has implemented a series of transformative interventions that have significantly improved protection and support services for survivors of violence. These interventions included updating and developing systems and protocols, enhancing infrastructure and protection centers, raising awareness, and improving access to services through community outreach and the dissemination of the Social Protection Services Directory. She emphasized the program’s future priorities, particularly intensifying efforts in Gaza to expand services for women facing the devastating consequences of genocidal warfare, as well as ensuring the provision of essential services to women in marginalized areas of the West Bank.
The meeting included a presentation of the Haya Joint Program’s achievements, with contributions from representatives of the Ministries of Local Government, Health, and Social Development, as well as civil society organizations. Discussions focused on prevention, protection, and services provided to survivors of violence.
The event concluded with a review of the findings of national consultations on gender-based violence and future recommendations to enhance response mechanisms and safeguard the rights and protection of women in Palestine.