It is most
important to
focus on the
strengthening
of education in
general and at all
levels. Secondly,
it is crucial to
empower civil
society where
many active
women already
have a major
presence

- Hind Khoury, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs

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Q: What do you feel is the most important
area for the Palestinian National
Authority to focus on, in terms of women's
empowerment? A: An empowered woman has reached a level of
confidence and assertiveness comparable to men in
society; has the vision and know-how to deal with all
aspects of her responsibilities; and has defined the
support system she needs to reach her objectives. Q: What in your opion is the definition of
an empowered woman? A: At the personal level, dealing with the triple
burden of home, family and work, as well as the
con ict. Under the ongoing conditions, it is a major
challenge for women to stay healthy enough and
advance on all three fronts. At the institutional level,
both within civil society and government, I believe
women's organizations can be more effective and
ef cient in addressing the needs of women. Q: What in your opinion are some of the
greatest challenges facing Palestinian
women today? A: It is most important to focus on the strengthening
of education in general and at all levels. Secondly,
it is crucial to empower civil society where many
active women already have a major presence. At the
legislative level, women who are also mothers should
be provided with the right support system to allow
them to deal with the double burden and provide them
with their social rights to place them on an equal
footing with men. Q: What do you think the recent
Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC)
elections will mean for women in
government? A: I think even with the results, there will still
be women in government. The problem may be in
identifying the capacities such posts require which is
quite complicated and the willingness to work within
the new party's framework and policies.