Prime Minister's Address on International Women's Day 2025

Palestinian Women: Pillars of Struggle and Nation-Building

Empowering Palestinian Women: A Step Toward Liberation and Statehood

(Link) On the eve of International Women’s Day, I extend my deepest appreciation to all Palestinian women—at home and in the diaspora—who continue to be the backbone of our people's heroic resilience on their land, including upholding their legitimate rights and national constants.

As the world celebrates this day, we face the Israeli colonial occupation, its crimes, and racist policies with a clear national vision and unwavering determination, fully aware that our cause stands at a defining and critical juncture.

The Israeli genocide in Gaza, the unprecedented and immense humanitarian catastrophe, and the systematic displacement, forced expulsion, and efforts aimed at the resettlement of our people, along with the escalating Israeli military assaults on the West Bank, Palestinian refugee camps, and Jerusalem, are aimed at uprooting us from our land. The "Greater Jerusalem" settlement plan, the banning of UNRWA, and continued land confiscations are only deepening the suffering of Palestinian women and girls.

These oppressive policies are reversing decades of progress and achievements, undermining development, rights, and freedoms—foremost among them, the right to self-determination and return.

On this day, a global symbol of the struggle for equality and justice, we reaffirm the central role of Palestinian women as catalysts for change and empowerment in all fields. We take pride in the historic contributions of our women’s movement and remain committed to advancing their rights. Palestinian women continue to be at the forefront of our national struggle and the state-building process of the independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The 19th Palestinian Government remains dedicated to implementing legal reforms that guarantee women's rights and equality in all aspects of life. We firmly believe that women's rights are an inseparable part of our broader national struggle for freedom and independence. In this spirit, we are working with regional and international partners to safeguard and promote Palestinian women's rights and amplify their voices on the global stage.

Today, we reaffirm to the world that empowering Palestinian women is a fundamental human rights issue. There can be no peace and stability without the protection of Palestinian women’s rights and their active participation in decision-making, humanitarian response, and reconstruction efforts. This is a political commitment, fully aligned with the Government's vision for a more inclusive and just Palestine.

Since its formation, the 19th Government has placed women's issues at the heart of its priorities, recognizing that state-building cannot be achieved without their full political, economic, social, and legal engagement. Political empowerment of women is the cornerstone of any genuine democratic foundation, and we are determined to enhance their participation in political and public life while ensuring their access to decision-making positions.

Our struggle for women’s rights is an integral part of our broader fight for liberation. We are committed to working with all partners to achieve these goals and strengthen Palestinian women's resilience, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the national struggle and societal progress.

Finally, I express my deepest pride and appreciation for Palestinian women, who continue to be the foundation of a free and independent Palestine—a state of institutions, pluralism, and equality. May the rights of Palestinian women continue to advance and flourish.