Press Release Issued by the MoSD on the Occasion of International Women’s Day
Ramallah – March 8
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Social Development salutes Palestinian women on this global day that honors women’s struggles and rights and commemorates a long journey toward justice, equality, and human dignity. In Palestine, this year’s commemoration comes amid harsh and compounded challenges faced daily by Palestinian women as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, violations and attacks, escalating settler violence, and difficult economic conditions that burden families and increase women’s responsibilities both inside and outside the home.
The Ministry affirms that Palestinian women have always been and continue to be a symbol of resilience and steadfastness, and an essential partner in safeguarding social cohesion. They stand at the forefront in confronting crises, paying a double price in terms of their security, health, and psychological and social stability, while continuing to fulfill their roles in caregiving, employment, community support, civil engagement, and preserving the national and social fabric.
In this context, the Ministry continues to serve and support women through social protection and care programs, emergency interventions for the most vulnerable groups—particularly survivors of violence—strengthening counseling and psychosocial support services, providing legal aid and financial assistance, and advancing protection pathways against violence and abuse. The Ministry also ensures protection, shelter, and reintegration services through its protection centers and those of its partners, coordinating to guarantee safe and equitable access to all services.
During 2025, approximately 850 women survivors of gender-based violence were supported through the Ministry’s directorates in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, despite the tragic conditions, the Ministry continued to deliver essential services, with around 3,000 women benefiting from protection, shelter, psychosocial, and legal support services throughout 2025. The Ministry’s interventions also included displaced women in the Jenin and Tulkarm camps, where approximately 1,100 displaced women benefited from financial assistance, psychosocial counseling sessions, and dignity kits.
The Ministry also works to empower women economically and socially by supporting small enterprises, building capacities, expanding opportunities for participation and inclusion, and raising awareness of women’s rights to ensure their dignity and active presence across sectors. In this regard, the Ministry provided 40 job opportunities and supported 40 economic empowerment projects, through partners, for women survivors of violence and female-headed households.
The Ministry stresses that women’s empowerment and protection are not seasonal slogans but an ongoing national and societal commitment that requires concerted efforts from official institutions, civil society, the private sector, and international partners. Such collaboration is essential to ensure a more just and safe environment for women and girls, enhance their opportunities in education, employment, and public life, and combat all forms of violence and discrimination.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Social Development calls for practical solidarity with Palestinian women through clear policies and programs that ensure protection and empowerment, mitigate the impacts of war, poverty, and economic hardship, and open genuine pathways for participation and justice. Mercy to the martyrs, healing to the wounded, freedom to the prisoners, and tribute to every Palestinian woman who creates hope despite pain and keeps this land standing strong.
Latest News
MoSD Refers Three Female Beneficiaries with Disabilities to Residential Care in Hebron within an Integrated Protection System
Hebron – In a step reflecting the Ministry of Social Development’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity of persons with disabilities and promoting their rights to care and protection, the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron Governorate announced the reception of three female beneficiaries with disabilities and their placement in residential care at the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation, as part of a comprehensive support system ensuring them a dignified and safe life. This came as part of a joint intervention carried out by the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron in cooperation with the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation, based on direct instructions from H.E. Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, with the aim of providing integrated health, psychological, and social care for the beneficiaries within a specialized and supportive environment. H.E. Minister of Social Development Dr. Samah Hamad affirmed that the Ministry places great importance on strengthening strategic partnerships with specialized civil society institutions, considering them a key pillar in delivering high-quality and integrated services to the most vulnerable groups. She praised the distinguished humanitarian and professional role played by the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation in caring for persons with disabilities and providing them with the necessary support. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs have been secured for the three beneficiaries, including health care, psychological support, and social rehabilitation programs, as explained by the Society’s President, Dr. Samih Dweik, who noted that the institution will continuously monitor the beneficiaries’ conditions and provide all services that help them achieve positive integration and independent living. This intervention falls within a continuing series of joint initiatives and interventions implemented by the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron in partnership with civil society organizations, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to protecting and empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their access to specialized services guaranteed by law and humanitarian responsibility alike.
MoSD Visits Bethlehem and Stresses the Importance of Integrated Efforts to Serve Citizens Amid Current Challenges
Bethlehem – As part of the Ministry of Social Development’s commitment to maintaining direct engagement with governorates and strengthening the social protection system across the country, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, conducted a field visit to Bethlehem Governorate. During the visit, she reviewed the conditions of citizens and the challenges they face, stressing the importance of intensifying coordination among government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector to ensure citizens’ needs are met amid the difficult circumstances affecting the region. The visit was attended by the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Mr. Taha Al-Irani, the Minister’s Advisor, Ms. Duaa Wadi, and the Director of the Women’s Department, Ms. Hiba Jibat, along with a ministry delegation. Dr. Hamad was received by the Governor of Bethlehem, Major General Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Dawood Al-Hamri, and the Director of the Directorate of Social Development in Bethlehem, Ms. Saeda Al-Atrash. During the visit, Dr. Samah Hamad praised the efforts of Bethlehem Governorate and civil society institutions in supporting citizens’ resilience, affirming that the Ministry will remain in continuous communication with all relevant parties to address issues and challenges faced by citizens as much as possible. She emphasized that limited resources require a high level of coordination and effective organization of efforts to ensure services reach those entitled to them in the best possible manner. She also highlighted the significant importance of the National Registry in improving targeting mechanisms and enhancing fairness in service delivery. Dr. Hamad pointed to the difficult situation faced by Bethlehem Governorate under the current challenges, stressing the need for integrated efforts between official institutions and the private sector to confront these conditions and mitigate their impact on citizens. She also addressed the situation of displaced and affected people in the northern West Bank, presenting the Ministry’s efforts in providing relief and support despite the challenges resulting from the withholding of clearance revenues, and commended the resilience of both the Palestinian government and people. For his part, the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Mr. Taha Al-Irani, affirmed that the Ministry operates under an integrated vision with various partners to strengthen the social protection system, noting that field efforts focus on reaching the most vulnerable groups and delivering services efficiently and fairly, ensuring a more effective response to the growing challenges. At the conclusion of the visit, the Governor of Bethlehem, Major General Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, welcomed the Minister’s visit, commending the role of the Ministry of Social Development in supporting citizens’ resilience and stressing the importance of continued coordination among all parties to strengthen the social protection system and alleviate the suffering of the governorate’s residents.
