Ramallah – MIFTAH capped of a training session this week on ‘leadership, communication and networking” as part of its “Supporting Young Palestinian Women Leadership: Voices for Change” project with support from the US Consulate General in Jerusalem’s Public Affairs Office. According to MIFTAH CEO Dr. Lily Feidy, the training was aimed at introducing young women to the necessary leadership skills and the various skills used in communication and networking, especially pertaining to public speaking.
Feidy added, “The targeted groups in this project received capacity-building training on dealing with the media, pressure, advocacy, networking and alliance-building, all in order to apply these acquired skills to three youth initiatives on violence against women, namely sexual harassment and so-called ‘honor killings”. The training, conducted by Deb Sofield, who is a trainer in the field of public speaking, targeted 40 participants in various areas of the West Bank.
Project coordinator Abeer Zaghari said the training fell within MIFTAH’s strategic goals, which aim to empower society’s leadership elements towards participation in promoting dialogue and good governance and raising social awareness about the rights and duties of good citizenship. They are also aimed at making an impact at the level of policy and legislation in order to guarantee the civil and social rights for all sectors. “Basically, the project aims to build capacities and support youth groups in social action to encourage them to take initiative and move forward with their community activities with readiness and competence,” Zaghari said.
The training was over the course of four days during which Sofield offered public speaking skills; she also gave practical training on how to confidently address an audience, in addition to the use of speaking tools such as microphones and other equipment. Sofield gave the attendants ways to release tension and nervousness through controlling body language. She also spoke about necessary leadership qualities and gave a session on debate skills.
The participants responded positively; Jericho resident Inshirah Ahmad said: “The training addressed several subjects we are in need of, especially in regards to our initiatives. We trained on the method of addressing and connecting with an audience and on how to defend causes we believe in. This has been beneficial to us at both the personal and professional levels,” she said.
Maram Firawi from Jerusalem was impressed with the diversity of the group. “The fact that there were so many participants from various parts of the West Bank created a sense of diversity and enriched the discussions and debates,” she said. “Also, the trainer’s style was very unique, especially since the initiatives we are working on are important and very culturally sensitive.”
Inas Allan, also from Jerusalem, said the training had left more of an impression and impact on her than any other training. “It prepared us for carrying out our initiatives; our leadership and public speaking skills were further honed by the crucial and important information we received.”
For one participant, Mayada Daoud from Ramallah, the training made a clear and precise impact. “I got rid of my camera and stage fright,” she said. “Now I don’t fear speaking in public. This is all because of the training. I hope we benefit from everything we learned when we carry out our initiative.”
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.
