Participants in a workshop named “Means of communication with the media and mechanisms for solving problems” organized by MIFTAH, emphasized the need for a society without violence and oppression against weak and marginalized sectors, women especially. The participants also pressed for the use of modern media to support the more contentious social issues.
The workshop was held over the course of two days in Hebron as part of the Gender-Based Violence and Women’s Empowerment Program in coordination with UNFPA. MIFTAH has followed up with community leaders in Hebron who over the past year have aimed at integrating males in gender issue so as to achieve social justice in the communities.
According to MIFTAH CEO Lily Feidy the community leaders addressed the issue of inheritance as a priority, given that it is a right that must be demanded for marginalized sectors of women and men in society. Furthermore, project coordinator Najwa Yaghi Sandouka added that the committee of community leaders included both male and female preachers, academicians, councilors and civil society representatives . She said the committee is seeking to work through the media at raising awareness and applying pressure on decision-makers in the judicial system in order to achieve measures that would facilitate the implementation of laws of inheritance and support marginalized groups in gaining their rights.
The training, which was attended by 18 community participants, was given by trainer Fida’ Barghouthi . She said the participants themselves demanded the training session to enable them to hone their methods of discourse through the use of media. Barghouti said the participants were aiming at relaying clear, specific media messages that would target the overall thinking and consciousness of the public regarding the issue of inheritance.
One participant, Issa Al Imla noted that MIFTAH “has taken it upon itself to change the prevalent social culture based on marginalization and the exclusion of the other.” Another participant, Firas Abu Sharkh seconded that opinion, saying the training was based on participation, dialogue and interaction along with the use of modern media techniques and tools rather than conventional methods.
MIFTAH is planning to document this experience in Hebron through producing a documentary film aimed at promoting the role of leaders and getting their messages across to communities in Hebron, Jericho and the Jordan Valley.
MIFTAH was granted a Special Consultative Status with the United Nations' ECOSOC
Date posted: September 28, 2020
By MIFTAH
The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy- MIFTAH was granted a special consultative status to work with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), through which MIFTAH seeks to contribute to promoting the Palestinian narrative and international advocacy based on international legitimacy and United Nations resolutions related to the Palestinian cause.
The ECOSOC is the principal organ that coordinates the economic, social, environmental and related work of the 14 United Nations specialized agencies, functional commissions and five regional commissions. It serves as the central forum for discussing international economic, and social and environmental issues, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system.
ECOSOC provides NGOs the opportunity to be heard by a truly global audience and contribute to its agenda. ECOSOC has been the main entry point into the UN system for NGOs. ECOSOC remains the only main UN body with a formal framework for NGO participation
What is Consultative Status?
Consultative Status is an accreditation framework that benefits both the United Nations and the NGOs. Consultative arrangements are to be made, on the one hand, for the purpose of enabling the Council or one of its bodies to secure expert information or advice from organizations having special competence in the subjects for which consultative arrangements are made, and, on the other hand, to enable international, regional, sub-regional and national organizations that represent important elements of public opinion to express their views according to ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, part II, paragraph 20.
NGOs with Consultative Status can work with the United Nations Secretariat, programmes, funds and agencies in various ways, including in consultation with Member States. They can also contribute to a number of activities including information dissemination, awareness raising, development education, policy advocacy, joint operational projects, participation in intergovernmental processes and in the contribution of services and technical expertise
An NGO with consultative status can attend international conferences and events, make written and oral statements at these events, organize side events, enter United Nations premises, and have opportunities to network and lobby.
MIFTAH considers obtaining this Consultative Status timely and paramount to begin organizing its participation through the Council's sessions during 2021.
Signing ceremony for new cooperation agreement between MIFTAH and the Norwegian Representative Office
Date posted: November 28, 2019
By MIFTAH
Ramallah – MIFTAH and the Norwegian Representative Office to the PA signed on Monday, November 26 a new one-year cooperation agreement in a ceremony held in Ramallah.
Head of the Board of Directors, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, signed on behalf of MIFTAH while Norwegian representative, Ms. Hilde Haralstad signed on behalf of the Norwegian Representative Office.
During her speech at the signing, Dr. Ashrawi said, "For the past 18 years the Norwegian Representative Office has been one of the oldest and most significant of MIFTAH's supporters in its efforts towards promoting the principles of democracy and good governance in Palestine”. She also said this support was a continuation of the crucial work at this stage in supporting and empowering young leaders and women as change-makers, saying it gives this sector the ability to influence and change, especially in light of the difficult circumstances and challenges of the current political stage. Ashrawi also reiterated the importance of collective efforts in a coordinated and holistic manner between the various parties, which inevitably lead to change.
Dr. Ashrawi reaffirmed the Norwegian support for the Palestinian cause, expressing hope that Norway and other likeminded countries continue to stand on the right side of human rights and good governance and recognize the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, freedom, justice and statehood. She concluded her speech by expressing sadness for Ms. Haralstad's departure from Palestine, where she has served since 2016.
Meanwhile, Ms. Haralstad confirmed Norway's continued support for Palestine in its quest for statehood and human rights. She said she was proud to have partnered with an institution that supports the principles of democracy and good governance and which works for women's and youth issues such as MIFTAH. She also stressed on the important role Palestinian civil society institutions play in supporting the Women's Peace and Security agenda and expressed her sadness for leaving Palestine, saying she would continue to support the Palestinian cause.
The signing was attended by women's and rights institutions in addition to MIFTAH board members, representatives from the General Union of Palestinian Women and representatives from other MIFTAH funders and partners.
