ALLMEP Hosts Launch of New Program: Women’s Leadership Network

Last week, on February 27th, 55 participants joined in person at the historical American Colony Hotel, while 24 ALLMEP participants connected via Zoom, together alongside ALLMEP’s regional team, for the highly anticipated launch of ALLMEP’s new program, the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN). The program aims to connect Palestinian and Israeli women peacebuilders, providing them with advocacy, leadership, and mentorship opportunities to amplify their role in shaping inclusive peace efforts.

The meeting opened with remarks by the Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Israel, Her Excellency Ms. Sonya McGuinness. Her Excellency shared the importance of including women peacebuilders in these diplomatic conversations, stating, 

“Women should be involved in making the policies that shape their lives and livelihoods. Decision-making must be representative of the people. We know peace agreements brokered with women are more enduring.”

Following an introduction by Her Excellency, ALLMEP’s Regional Director, Nivine Sandouka, delivered a welcome speech. She underscored the significance of this gathering, taking place against the backdrop of escalating violence in the region, growing challenges for Palestinians in obtaining permits – forcing many to join over Zoom – and the suspension of USAID and MEPPA funding. She stressed the critical role of civil society peacebuilding in Israel and Palestine, highlighting its necessity now more than ever. 

Sandouka stated, “The Women, Peace, and Security agenda is not just a call for equality—it is a fundamental recognition that peace is incomplete and fragile without the active participation of women(…) security, in its truest form, encompasses more than military might or political treaties—it is about the safety, dignity, and empowerment of every individual, regardless of gender.”

Afterward, ALLMEP’s Director of Programs, Wasim Almasri, highlighted the main approaches and activities of the Women’s Leadership Network. 

The group was also able to see a pre-screening of For the Future: Women in Peacebuilding, an educational short film profiling the work of three women peacebuilders from ALLMEP’s network, Rula Daood of Standing Together, May Pundak of A Land for All, and Nivine Sandouka of the Alliance for Middle East Peace. The screening was followed by a roundtable discussion on Women, Peace, and Security, with May Pundak, Maisam Jaljuli CEO of Tsofen, Ameera Said, the Palestinian Director of Tomorrow’s Women joining over Zoom, and ALLMEP’s Nivine Sandouka.

This event provided a unique platform to engage with leading voices in peacebuilding and explore strategies for strengthening women’s participation in conflict resolution. ALLMEP remains committed to fostering peace, cooperation, justice, and equality in Israel and Palestine. Through initiatives like the Women’s Leadership Network, we continue to amplify the voices of women peacebuilders, ensuring their voices play a central role in shaping a more just and peaceful future. 

If you are interested in supporting women peacebuilders in Israel and Palestine, please consider donating to the Women’s Leadership Network. Learn more about the program, its framework, and goals here: https://www.allmep.org/womens-leadership/