AMAN and MIFTAH conclude awareness raising sessions targeting women
Feminist activists recommend exposing perpetrators of corruption crimes and adopting policies to eliminate corruption practices
Ramallah – Feminist activists recommended that the Palestinian government expose corruption cases and enforce law on the perpetrators of corruption crimes. According to these activists, persistence of different forms of corruption threatens development in Palestine as well as women’s needs and priorities of educational, health, economic, and social services.
These recommendations were made in conclusion of three awareness raising sessions held by the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN), in collaboration with the Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (MIFTAH), in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Jericho. The events targeted a group of feminist members of local government units (LGUs), representatives of civil society organisations and community institutions, and young activists. Awareness raising aimed at building the capacity of participants in the values of accountability. In addition to introducing the concepts of integrity and fight against corruption, the sessions emphasised the adverse impacts of corruption on society at large, and on women in particular.
Activists called on the government to adopt serious policies and processes to eliminate practices of corruption and raise public awareness about the risk of corruption. They highlighted the importance of enforcing law and holding to account all perpetrators of corruption crimes, first and foremost powerful public figures. Participants believed that reluctance to hold these perpetrators accountable would continue the trend of wasting public funds and resources. It would destroy the Palestinian economy, which is currently affected by a severe crisis. Participants warned against the risk and long-term impact of rampant corruption on society and future generations.
The awareness raising events are part of the efforts made by AMAN to strengthen the system of integrity and fight against corruption. As women are the most affected by corruption, the sessions highlighted the protection of women’s rights against the consequences of corruption. A special focus was placed on raising women’s awareness of the concept and various forms of corruption, including favouritism, nepotism, bribery, extortion, money laundering, conflict of interests, embezzlement, and waste of public funds. A review also included the systems, indicators, and mechanisms of accountability, outlining those applicable at LGUs.
