The Mossawa Center has long been at the forefront of efforts to advance the role of Palestinian Arab women in political, social, and economic life. Through its Mahha-li Initiative, the Mossawa Center has actively worked to increase women’s representation in municipal governance by preparing female candidates for local elections and equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate political life. This initiative has successfully led to the election of 23 Palestinian Arab women to local councils, including the historic appointment of a Palestinian Arab woman as Deputy Mayor of Ar’ara in the Triangle Area​

Empowering Women in politics

The Mossawa Center has been at the forefront of empowering Palestinian Arab women in politics, recognizing their vital role in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. Through targeted initiatives, workshops, and advocacy, the Mossawa Center aims to enhance women's representation in governance, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and equip them with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of public and political life.

A key milestone in this effort was the creation of a network for Arab female members of local authorities in 2024. This network provides a platform for elected women leaders to share experiences, access resources, and collaborate on strategies to enhance their performance and influence. By fostering connections among women in politics, the network helps build a unified voice for advancing gender equality and addressing the needs of their communities.

The Mossawa Center organizes comprehensive workshops designed to address the unique challenges faced by women in politics. Workshops have focused on governance and budget advocacy, strategic leadership and political marketingdevelopment lanning:
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These workshops are enriched by the experiences of trailblazing women leaders, such as Dr. Nuha Badr, the first female deputy head of the Maghar municipality, and researchers like Dr. Rana Zaher-Kreini, whose work highlights the evolving role of women in Arab local politics.
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The Mossawa Center has actively pushed for greater representation of Palestinian Arab women in decision-making positions. Over the years, the number of Arab women elected to local authorities has grown significantly, from just three representatives in 2003 to 23 in 2023. Despite setbacks, such as declining representation due to violence and instability, the Mossawa Center remains committed to reversing these trends by empowering women and advocating for systemic changes that foster inclusivity.

The Mossawa Center’s ultimate goal is to normalize and institutionalize the active participation of women in governance, creating a future where Palestinian Arab women are not only represented but also lead transformative change across all levels of decision-making.