Jerusalem, September 5, 2024 — The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS Jerusalem) hosted a crucial Gender Technical Working Group meeting today, bringing together gender focal points from diverse international donors including EUPOL COPS, Switzerland, Belgium, the EU, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. The meeting took place at the AICS office in Jerusalem.
Gabriella Ceretti, Gender Focal Point at AICS, opened the session by welcoming participants and introducing Mirco Tricoli, new Head of the AICS Jerusalem Office. Tricoli emphasized the critical importance of the working group, particularly in these challenging times, and highlighted AICS’s ongoing initiatives in the gender equality sector.
Maryse Guimond, Head of UNWOMEN Palestine (since last week based in Cairo because Israeli Government didn’t renew her permission to work in West Bank and Gaza), participated remotely from Egypt and shared profound insights from her recent field visits to Gaza and West Bank in June 2024. Guimond described her experience as deeply shocking and saddening, highlighting the severe impact of the escalating violence in Gaza and the West Bank, including Jenin and Qalqilya. She detailed the grave violations of international law, such as displacement orders, and the dire conditions affecting pregnant women and newborns in Gaza’s hospitals, including critical issues with baby incubators.
The meeting also addressed several pressing issues, including the reinforcement of women’s groups and NGOs working in the field, gender-based violence, and psychosocial counseling. The participants underscored the severe trauma faced by women and children in Palestine, especially in Gaza. Discussions also covered early recovery, reconstruction efforts, and the importance of the upcoming 16 Days Campaign.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the 16 Days Campaign remains a crucial appointment for advocacy and awareness on women rights. Participants agreed on the necessity to use this campaign not for celebration, but to draw attention to gender-based violence and the critical support required for affected communities.
The working group’s discussions reaffirmed the commitment of international partners to addressing gender inequalities and humanitarian needs in the region, with a concerted effort to support and empower affected communities amidst the ongoing challenges.
