Implications of the Palestinian Female Election Quota for Women in Local Government
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Edith Cowan University Research Online Theses : Honours Theses 2019 Beyond the numbers: Implications of the Palestinian Female Election Quota for women in local government Elke Taylor Edith Cowan University Follow this and additional works at: https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons Part of the Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Political Science Commons, and the Women's History Commons Recommended Citation Taylor, E. (2019). Beyond the numbers: Implications of the Palestinian Female Election Quota for women in local government. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1529 This Thesis is posted at Research Online. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1529 Edith Cowan University Copyright Warning You may print or download ONE copy of this document for the purpose of your own research or study. The University does not authorize you to copy, communicate or otherwise make available electronically to any other person any copyright material contained on this site. 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Beyond the Numbers: Implications of the Palestinian Female Election Quota for Women in Local Government This thesis is presented in partial fulfilment of the degree of Bachelor of Arts Honours (Politics and International Relations) Elke Taylor Edith Cowan University School of Arts and Humanities 2019 Abstract Palestinian women have contributed a rich and diverse history of political participation amidst the complex and anarchic political landscape of Palestine. The informal contributions of Palestinian women have played an integral and significant role in democratisation, peace-building efforts and the progression of women's rights. Despite forging and maintaining an active political presence, the political roles of women have been largely informal, localised and heavily contested. The recent establishment of female election quotas have greatly progressed the formalisation of women's political roles, brought about an increase in political participation and the representation of women in political institutions. In spite of these significant gains, Palestinian women remain markedly underrepresented in local and legislative political institutions and remain largely excluded from political processes. This thesis traces the impact of the Palestinian local female election quota system on the political role of women in the West Bank. Utilising a case study methodology to investigate the Palestinian local elections of 2004-2005, this thesis examines the correlation between the quota system and the evolvement of women's political roles. The theoretical perspective of Islamic feminism frames this research, ultimately drawing a relationship between the Palestinian Islamic feminism movement and the development and outcomes of the quota system. I argue that despite the significant increase in female political representation in local councils following the legislation of the quota system, the capacity for women to fully participate politically is ultimately limited by enduring patriarchy, political instability and increasing occupation. i Declaration I certify that this thesis does not, to the best of my knowledge and belief: (i) incorporate without acknowledgement any material previously submitted for a degree or diploma in any institution of higher education; (ii) contain any material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the text; or (iii) contain any defamatory material. Signed: Elke Taylor Date: 05/11/2018 ii Acknowledgements First and foremost I extend my complete gratitude to Dr. Kay Hearn for supervising my final semester and more importantly, for helping me see the value of my work. The completion of this thesis would not have been possible otherwise. Also, I extend my thanks to Dr. Genevieve Hohnen, for encouraging me to undertake the honours course and for providing direction during the research stage. I extend my appreciation to Tony Tawil, for generously translating a number of documents used in this thesis. This thesis is written in recognition and respect to the women past and emerging, who demand and defend the right to be seen, the right to be heard, and the right to be represented. And lastly to the women of Palestine, whose fierce determination and resilience inspires great courage. iii Table of Contents Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………….. i Declaration ……………………………………………………………………………. ii Acknowledgements …………………………………………………………………... iii Glossary ............................................................................................................................. v Map .................................................................................................................................. vi Chapter One – Introduction ............................................................................................... 1 Chapter Two – Literature Review ..................................................................................... 9 Chapter Three - Activism and Empowerment: A History of Female Leadership ........... 19 Chapter Four – Entering the Arena: A Case Study of the 2004-2005 Palestinian Local Elections .............................................................................................................. 31 Chapter Five – Women Make Tea, Men Make Decisions: Implications of the Female Election Quota ..................................................................................................... 43 Chapter Six – Conclusion ................................................................................................ 51 Bibliography .................................................................................................................... 54 Appendix A – Palestinian Political Timeline .................................................................. 71 Appendix B – United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) ...................... 73 Appendix C – United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) (1979) ............................................ 74 Appendix D – Palestinian Local Elections Law No. 10 of 2005 .................................... 75 Appendix E – Palestinian 2004-2005 Local Elections: Round One Results .................. 76 Appendix F - Palestinian 2004-2005 Local Elections: Round Two Results .................. 77 Appendix G - Palestinian 2004-2005 Local Elections: Round Three Results ............. 78 Appendix H - Palestinian 2004-2005 Local Elections: Round Four Results ............. 79 Appendix I – The 2004-2005 Palestinian Local Elections Results Summary (West Bank Districts) .......................................................................................... 80 iv Glossary AWRAD – Arab World for Research and Development CEC – Central Elections Commission - Palestine CEDAW – Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women GUPW – General Union of Palestinian Women HCLE – Higher Commission for Local Elections Miftah – The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy MoLG – Ministry of Local Government MoWA – Ministry of Women’s Affairs NDI – National Democratic Institute for International Affairs oPt – Occupied Palestinian Territories PCHR – Palestinian Centre for Human Rights PLC – Palestinian Legislative Council PLO – Palestinian Liberation Organisation PNA – Palestinian National Authority PWWSD – Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development UN – United Nations UNDP – United Nations Development Program UNSCR 1325 – United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 UN WOMEN – United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women UPWC – Union of Palestinian Women Committees v Map The Occupied Palestinian Territories - West Bank U n i t e d N a t i o n s O f f i c e f o r t h e C o o r d i n a t i o n o f H u m a n i t a r i a n A f f a i r s occupied Palestinian territory West Bank: Area C Map February 2011 Border International Border ¥ Green Line Jenin Israeli Unilaterally Declared Municipal Area of Jerusalem1 1. In 1967, Israel occupied the West Bank and unilaterally annexed to its territory 70.5 km of the occupied area Barrier Tubas Constructed / Under Construction Tulkarm Planned Oslo Agreement 2 Area (A), (B) Nablus Area C & Nature Reserves Qalqiliya Oslo Interim Agreement 2 . Area A : Full Palestinian civil and security control Area B: Full Palestinian civil control and joint Israeli- Palestinian security control Salfit n a d Area C: Full Israeli control over security, planning r o J and construction r e v i R a Ramallah e S n a e n a r No Man's r Land Jericho e t i d e West M Bank salem e East Jeru in $ L Gaza ce ti e) is in Strip rm L A en 49 re 19 (G Bethlehem