Towards Greater Accessible Justice: National Workshop Strengthens Institutional Integration to Support Women’s Rights

calendar_today2026-02-10

Hebron – Wednesday, 10 February 2026 – As part of national efforts to enhance integration between governmental and non-governmental institutions in the fields of justice and social protection, the Hebron Governorate hosted a participatory workshop organized by the Palestinian Maintenance Fund, in partnership with the governorate and with the support of the Sawasiya Joint Programme through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The workshop was titled: “Strengthening Institutional Partnerships to Support Women’s Access to Justice and Legal Services.”

The workshop brought together over fifty representatives from a wide spectrum of governmental, non-governmental, and academic institutions, including the Ministries of Justice, Interior, Social Development, Labour, Education, Jerusalem Affairs, Transport and Communications, and Public Works and Housing. Participants also included representatives from the National Security Forces, Judicial Police, Hebron Regular Court, Land Authority, Workers’ Union, Medical Association, Palestinian universities, Women’s Center, Tomorrow’s Youth Forum, Sabaya Kharas Initiative, as well as civil society and women’s rights organizations from across the country.

The workshop aimed to deepen institutional coordination between the Palestinian Maintenance Fund and partner institutions, facilitating the exchange of expertise on improving responses to maintenance cases. The ultimate goal is to ensure more effective access for women, children, and the most vulnerable groups to legal and social services, in line with principles of social justice and the rule of law.

Discussion sessions addressed the current provision of services to maintenance-entitled groups, the practical challenges women face in claiming their rights, and the role of the Palestinian Maintenance Fund and its services, particularly the Legal Aid Program. The sessions emphasized the importance of early referrals and standardizing institutional processes to strengthen integration and avoid duplication of efforts.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants stressed the need to move from theoretical coordination to sustainable practical partnerships by developing clear and unified referral pathways, enhancing information exchange, and intensifying joint efforts to raise awareness of the Fund’s services. These steps contribute to protecting the economic rights of women and children, while promoting family and community stability.

This workshop aligns with the Palestinian Maintenance Fund’s vision to build a comprehensive national system for protecting family rights, consolidating family justice, and establishing effective partnerships with governorates, official institutions, and civil society organizations, taking into account the specific needs of different regions, particularly Hebron Governorate.