Women's Participation in Local Elections

Women participants in Municipal Elections campaign training

I'lam; I'lam

Women's Participation in Local Elections -Towards Developing a Media Strategy

Arab Palestinian women in Israel have been making notable achievements in different fields of life in education, health and technology. However, when it comes to political inclusion the women are being hindered at different levels. A research conducted by "Kayan Feminist Organization" concluded that during the 2013 Municipal elections, there have been 165 women running for the local authorities, 82 of them were candidates for winnable seats, and only 14 of them were able to win the election.

However, most of the women running for elections were excluded from decision making positions, or eliminated themselves believing that they lack the ability to influence the process. Women’s political empowerment and equal access to leadership positions are fundamental to realizing their rights, making their voice heard and promote policies to better their communities.

From the 5th to the 7^th of July, in cooperation with our Partner I'lam-Arab Center for Media Freedom Development and Research, 12 Arab female candidates received professional campaign training in order to encourage and support their political participation. The seminar addressed the barriers that hinder their inclusion, and provided them with tools, skills and the support they need to make an impact in the democratic process. An important segment of the seminar was learning how to use social media sites for their campaigns, in order to reach as many voters as possible.