Since 1997, the Rural Women’s Development Society (RWDS) has organized rural women through the creation and coordination of local women’s clubs. Through skill development and the coordination of local service projects, these groups build leadership capacity and encourage women’s civic participation and community organizing. This growing network of local clubs (more than 80 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip) adds a much-needed grassroots women’s voice to calls for a more inclusive Palestinian society.

The overall goals of the clubs include:

• Increasing women’s participation and leadership in family and community life. For example, many women have started in the clubs and later been elected to village councils;
• Enhancing community resources and services such as childcare centers and community libraries;
• Increasing food security through backyard and rooftop gardening projects;
• Creating economic opportunities through education and micro-enterprises

At its heart, the RWDS encourages the development of self-sustaining, community-based projects. By reducing isolation between the women’s clubs and investing in projects across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, RWDS is building both the leadership capacity of its members and encouraging the sharing of resources and efforts.