Palestinian Councillor from Ramallah Municipality and Gender expert to visit four Majorcan municipalities
As part of the Les Elegides program, which aims to foster and strengthen the political participation of locally elected women from the Global South, the Fons Mallorquí de Cooperació are organising events in four Majorcan municipalities. These events include bilateral meetings with local authorities on the island, conferences, and exhibitions to promote the exchange of experiences.
Hanan Kaoud, an active participant in the 2022 International Meeting of Local Elected Women organised by the Fons Mallorquí, has maintained close collaboration with the organisation since then. Her visit to Mallorca will coincide with a week-long campaign for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
During her stay, she will deliver a series of talks across various municipalities on the island. Under the title “The Peoples of Palestine in the Face of Conflict,” Hanan will share her insights on addressing humanitarian emergencies from a local political perspective. She will also discuss the role of elected women as drivers of change, particularly in crisis contexts.
Hanan Kaoud holds a degree in Gender Studies and a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Democracy. She is a recognised expert in gender policies and justice, with over 30 years of experience in local governance, human rights, and gender equality in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).
Kaoud’s work has significantly enhanced the role of women in politics and the economy. She has developed gender mainstreaming manuals in various fields, including media, and has spearheaded initiatives advocating for climate action, health rights, and the fight against gender-based violence.
Currently, she serves as an elected member of the Ramallah Municipality and as a member of the Gender Equality Committee of UCLG (United Cities and Local Governments), a network of local elected governments of which the Fons Mallorquí is also a member. Her work spans national and regional levels, including strategic planning for gender equality and mentoring. She is a prominent leader in promoting gender equality and human rights.
A deeper understanding of the role of decentralised cooperation
As part of these events, the exhibition “Law and Resistance: A Look at the Palestinian Conflict,” produced by the Fons Mallorquí, will be showcased. This exhibition offers a review of recent Palestinian history and emphasizes the critical need for international cooperation in a country where 90% of the population relies on humanitarian aid.
These activities will provide a unique opportunity for a deeper understanding of the role of international cooperation conducted by municipalities in conflict zones to strengthen local resilience.
They will also serve as an opportunity to learn how local diplomacy can build connections and raise awareness of the Palestinian conflict and the urgent need for international solidarity.
Fons Mallorquí in Palestine
The Fons Mallorquí has been working in Palestine since 1996, with continuous efforts since 2014 through cooperation and humanitarian aid projects. Collaborating with Mallorcan NGOs and local partner entities, these initiatives primarily aim to improve the health and mental well-being of women and children in refugee situations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Additionally, resources have been dedicated to supporting the political participation of Palestinian women to ensure genuine equality and address the gender discrimination they face.
