This has been a difficult year for all Palestinians, but I am proud to say that in its 12th year running, MIFTAH has been able to rise above obstacles and setbacks to continue its commitment and work towards bettering Palestinian society. This has been a year of political ebbs and flows, with major setbacks and major achievements, all of which MIFTAH has addressed and embraced in its work. In the field, MIFTAH has continued to excel in its commitment towards empowering women and youth leaders. It has reached areas as remote as Jordan Valley communities and as inaccessible as Gaza City. It has continued its Women and Elections program, one of MIFTAH’s most prosperous long-term projects to date and which has influenced the widest range of women representatives in Palestinian political bodies. Furthermore, it has continued to work with international organizations such as UNFPA on MIFTAH’s program Women, Peace and Security aimed at fighting violence against women.
In addition, MIFTAH has continued in its strive to disseminate the Palestinian narrative to the English speaking world in addition to also addressing Arabic speakers both in Palestine and abroad through its Arabic website. MIFTAH has continued to broaden its audience of readers and supporters throughout the years and has taken its place as one of Palestine’s most reputable organizations.
I am extremely proud of the work and achievements MIFTAH’s board, administration and employees have accomplished throughout the years in their promotion of good governance and democracy in Palestinian society. I believe that this commitment will only grow stronger with each year and as the organization grows and expands, touching more and more lives. It is through the diligence and hard work of the organization’s staff and administration that our accomplishments have been made possible. I am proud to say that many of our trainees have gone on to become women parliamentarians, local council members and members of political factions. We have contributed to helping rural women stand on their own two feet and enjoy financial independence through our small income generating projects. We have also been a major player in introducing gender-responsive budgets to Palestine, both at the national and local government levels.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate MIFTAH for the excellence it has delivered for so many years. It is the direct outcome of the teamwork, professionalism and commitments to the values for which MIFTAH stands that this organization has come so far. I wish MIFTAH the best of luck in its continued efforts and advancement now and for the years to come.
