The MoSD discusses the results of a study on "Monitoring the reality of protection center services for women victims of violence".
Ramallah – As part of its efforts to strengthen the social protection system for women, the Ministry of Social Development held a meeting to discuss the findings of the study on “Monitoring the Status of Services in Women’s Protection Centers for Survivors of Violence,” in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the REFORM Institute. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Mr. Taha Al-Irani, Legal Advisor Mr. Nasser Al-Rayes, UNFPA Representative Ms. Sanaa Assi, and from REFORM, Mr. Oday Abu Karsh and Mr. Nadim Qandeel, along with the staff of the Ministry’s Women and Gender Unit.
H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, emphasized that the situation of women in the Gaza Strip reflects a compounded humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing aggression and its severe repercussions. Many women face the loss of shelter, worsening economic and social conditions, and increasing psychological trauma amid the absence of safety and stability. She noted that this meeting comes within the Ministry’s efforts to develop protection services for women survivors of violence and to enhance the quality of response in protection centers, in line with the National Social Protection Strategy. Dr. Hamad stressed the importance of the study in identifying existing gaps and real needs within the centers and underscored the necessity of building on its findings to develop a comprehensive plan that ensures a safe and supportive environment for women survivors of violence.
Deputy Minister Mr. Taha Al-Irani affirmed that these efforts are part of the Ministry’s endeavor to advance the national social protection framework and strengthen coordination with partners. He stressed that the findings and recommendations of the study will contribute to building a more inclusive protection system that better responds to women’s needs and ensures improved quality of services in the centers.
During the meeting, the main findings and recommendations of the study—prepared by Legal Advisor Mr. Nasser Al-Rayes—were presented. The study aimed to analyze the current situation in protection centers and examine structural and social barriers that limit women’s access to services, in addition to monitoring community perceptions and social stigma toward women seeking refuge in safe houses, and assessing the institutional capacities of centers to provide integrated protection services.
Ms. Sanaa Assi, UNFPA Representative, commended the ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, highlighting the importance of adopting the study’s outcomes in shaping national policies on women’s protection and ensuring that the recommendations are implemented on the ground to strengthen systems of protection and prevention of gender-based violence.
Mr. Oday Abu Karsh from REFORM noted that the study was conducted to support the Ministry in reviewing the current state of services and improving management standards within the centers. He added that the cooperation among all partners reflects a practical model of partnership between public institutions and civil society in advancing social services.
Mr. Nadim Qandeel from REFORM pointed out that the study’s results revealed the need for greater integration among service providers and for unified referral and follow-up procedures to ensure faster and more effective responses for women survivors.
During the discussion, participants also addressed the importance of reviewing the draft bylaw for women’s protection centers to align with the government’s new directions for developing the legal framework governing the work of protection centers and enhancing coordination among partner institutions.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue joint efforts among the Ministry of Social Development, UNFPA, and the REFORM Institute to adopt the study’s recommendations and develop an action plan to improve the quality of services provided in women’s protection centers—within a comprehensive national vision grounded in justice, rights, and the empowerment of women in Palestinian society.
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