RAMALLAH, Friday, November 13, 2020 (WAFA) - Nine female members of the Palestinian Bar Association (PBA) launched the first professional network of women lawyers in the West Bank Thursday, according to the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPLO COPPS).

The network is designed to foster professional and personal development for Palestinian women in the legal profession. The initiative is supported by the Head of the PBA, Jawad Obeidat, with the full backing of EUPOL COPPS.

“I encourage the empowerment of female lawyers and this network and wish to see more women in the profession as well as on the board of the PBA,” said Obeidat. “I hope the future Head of the PBA will be a female lawyer”.

The launch of the network took place as part of a workshop in Ramallah, facilitated by the PBA and EUPOL COPPS.

EUPOL COPPS has provided continuous support for the process of building a professional network of female Palestinian lawyers, for example by organising leadership training in order to increase the representation of women in leading positions. More equal and diverse representation is expected to have a positive influence on defendants’ rights and access to justice. Professional networks and mentorship programmes moreover support their members to build confidence and move forward professionally.

“Balanced representation of men and women in the legal system and equal opportunities benefits the judiciary as a whole,” said Head of the Rule of Law Section at EUPOL COPPS Giovanni Galzignato, while attending the launch event. “It is important to empower each other by sharing knowledge and experience. You are all inspiring role models for younger lawyers and will make way for more women in the profession and as leaders,” he continued, addressing the group.’

K.F.