On 29 July, in Bethlehem, three activities funded under the initiative “Promoting Gender-Responsive Actions in Palestine – Integrating Women in the Culture and Creativity Industry”, financed by the European Union Delegation to Jerusalem, were officially presented.
The first activity, “No Masters / بلا سادة”, is promoted by Al-Quds Bard College of Arts & Sciences / Al-Quds University in partnership with Dar Yusuf Nasri Jacir for Arts and Research and Fondazione Messina.
The initiative will engage students, artists, and community members in the production of gender-sensitive films through a series of masterclasses led by internationally renowned women filmmakers. Workshops, film screenings, artist talks, and creative residencies will provide participants with the opportunity to explore the power of cinematic storytelling as a tool for inclusion and social change.
The second activity, “Palestinian Student Film Festival – Cinema, Training and Platforms for Young Palestinian Voices,” will be implemented by ACS – Association for Cooperation and Solidarity. It aims to strengthen the skills of young Palestinian filmmakers through training programmes and film production activities, while creating opportunities for visibility and cultural exchange.
The initiative includes masterclasses for emerging directors, hands-on workshops on student film production, and the organisation of the Palestinian Student Film Festival in Ramallah, featuring film screenings, Q&A sessions, an international jury, and an awards ceremony. Travelling screenings across Gaza and the West Bank, as well as international dissemination activities for the films produced, are also planned.
Finally, SHAMS – Human Rights & Democracy Media Center presented the activity “Promoting Women’s Meaningful and Equitable Participation in the Palestinian Labour Market,” which aims to strengthen women’s economic participation in Palestine by promoting inclusive, safe, accessible, and gender-responsive workplaces.
The activity will include 32 multi-stakeholder dialogue sessions, 11 awareness-raising, capacity-building, and networking initiatives, a public information and advocacy campaign, and the engagement of women, employers, policymakers, and civil society organisations. It will also support the development of a National Policy Agenda and the launch of an Institutional Commitment Charter.
Together, these activities contribute to the Italian Cooperation’s strategy of promoting gender equality and strengthening the participation of women and young people in Palestine’s cultural, creative, and economic sectors.
