“Women must be central partners in the peace process. Their active and equal participation in decision making and negotiations is crucial to the fulfillment of a just and viable peace.”
(9th Principle of the Jerusalem Link)

Background

Established in March 1994, the Jerusalem Center for Women (JCW) is a Palestinian non-governmental women’s center located in East Jerusalem. The JCW was founded simultaneously with the Israeli women's center Bat Shalom located in West Jerusalem. JCW and Bat Shalom carry out joint Palestinian-Israeli programs through a coordinating body known as the Jerusalem Link. Although JCW and Bat Shalom maintain close cooperation as sister organizations, the two centers operate independently, maintaining executive and organizational integrity. The joint initiative between JCW and Bat Shalom marks the first time that Palestinian and Israeli organizations have worked together so closely for the advancement of women and human rights in the region, including a joint commitment to resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

JCW is committed to advancing joint peace initiatives despite the complex and ever-changing political situation. We believe that, when seized properly, crises can provide powerful opportunities for positive change. In the wake of rising political frustrations, JCW remains committed to developing relationships with Israeli peace groups and other organizations who share our vision for peaceful resolution.

The model of the Jerusalem Link emerged during a series of meetings held in Brussels from May 1989, through November 1991, under the auspices of the European Union. The meetings brought together prominent Palestinian and Israeli political figures as well as activists who sought a shared basis for understanding and commitment. The dialogue was based on the recognition of the right of all individuals in the region to live in a safe environment, with dignity, where all people have a right to choose their representative. While securing the right to Palestinian self-determination alongside Israel; and the right of all peoples to choose their legitimate representatives.

From these meetings, a core group of nine Palestinian women activists took the initiative to establish the Jerusalem Center for Women. JCW immediately began attracting other Palestinian women interested in the protection and advancement of women and human rights. The group grew substantially within its first few years resulting in the need to form a General Assembly to guide and coordinate the center. Following several meetings in the spring of 1994, thirteen women were elected to the first Board of Trustees for the Jerusalem Center for Women.

JCW stresses the importance of democratic principles and transparency in all of its activities. An Administrative Bureau composed of four members meets regularly to implement and monitor the decisions of the Board of Trustees.

The establishment of the JCW and of the Jerusalem Link can be credited to generous support from the European Commission, a component of the European Union. Other funding organizations, primarily in Europe and North America, continue to contribute additional support for JCW's growing list of programs and initiatives. JCW firmly believes that developing a Palestinian civil society is crucial now, more than ever, given the dangers of the current political situation with Israel. The support from local and international non-governmental organizations is essential to the success of our vision.

Our Vision

The Jerusalem Center for Women envisions the Palestinian women's role as central in the process of successful nation and state building. JCW supports the empowerment and involvement of women in all aspects of Palestinian civil society and development.

Our Mission

The Jerusalem Center for Women seeks to provide Palestinian women with training opportunities in developing democracy, human rights, advocacy, and other activism skills in order to advance women’s status and their role in Palestinian society. We believe this support is essential to protecting the decision-making process. Human rights and democratic principles which are the foundations of a just and lasting peace.

Our Goals

- Empowerment of women in community and political activism.
- Protection and advancement of Palestinian women’s rights and status.
- Realization of regional peace through the involvement of women.
- Establishment of local and international networks supporting the JCW in achieving these goals.

JCW Activities

Since its founding in 1994, the Jerusalem Center for Women has worked to implement five core programs. Activities within each of these core programs will continue to expand and adapt in order to best address the needs and difficulties faced by Palestinian women in the ever-changing political situation.

The five programs are as follows:

- Peace Building Program
(Dialog: Palestinian-Palestinian, Palestinian-Israeli, and Palestinian – International, in addition to group training in conflict resolution skills).
- Empowerment Training (human rights, democracy and advocacy)
- Defense of Women’s Rights
- Female Youth Leadership Development
- Defense of Occupied East Jerusalem

It is our goal to standup to the unjust occupation, oppression, war, apartheid, humiliation, and poverty affecting Palestinian women. Simultaneously, we seek to advance a women’s perspective in peace-building with political principles based on respect for human rights, mutual trust, and morality.