Enhancing the presence of female lawyers in Palestinian institutions is a must. Why?

Women count for 40% of practicing lawyers in Palestine, yet their representation in leadership, for example within the Palestinian Bar Association (PBA) council, in executive bodies or in key decision-making roles, is lacking.

In recognition of this gap, and with the shared commitment to promote gender equality within the legal sector, EUPOL COPPS, in coordination with the Head of the PBA, supported the establishment of a Female Lawyers Network.

The official launch of the Network and the presentation of the Female Network Charter took place on 15 October in Ramallah at the presence of the Head of the PBA, the Deputy Head of the EU representation office to the West Bank and Gaza and the Head of EUPOL COPPS. This is meant to be platform for connection, empowerment, and professional development for women in the legal field in Palestine.

The launch event, attended by about 50 female lawyers from various districts in Palestine, will serve objectives including presenting the vision, the goals, and the activities of the network; expanding the network’s membership across different districts and fostering dialogue on the importance of female representation in legal profession through local and international perspectives.

In her opening remarks, the Head of EUPOL COPPS, Karin Limdal, said the launch of the Network contributes to equal representation within the Palestinian Bar Association, strengthen the professional capacities and leadership of female lawyers and creates space for dialogue about challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“The lack of female lawyers is not just a gap, it is a missed opportunity for the profession, for justice and for society”, she added.

Besides being a step towards a more inclusive and representative legal profession in Palestine, the platform is a testament to the joint commitment of EUPOL COPPS and the PBA to support gender equality within the justice sector in Palestine.