On International Women’s Day 2026 – Joint Statement “We Survive, We Lead”

This year, UN Women, UNFPA, and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) are partnering to mark International Women’s Day under the theme “We Survive, We Lead.” The initiative highlights the steadfastness of Palestinian women and the critical leadership role they continue to play in supporting families, sustaining communities, and responding to unprecedented challenges. The initiative is supported by the Government of Finland through Finland’s Representative Office in Ramallah.

Across the OPT, women are navigating the devastating impacts of war, displacement, economic hardship, and insecurity. Many have become heads of households, community organizers, and frontline responders, while continuing to advocate for dignity, justice, and equal rights. Meanwhile, the crisis continues to endanger women’s health: in Gaza alone, an estimated 50,000 pregnant women need care, with more than 180 births occurring daily in severely constrained conditions.

Across Palestine, women-led organizations and grassroots initiatives remain essential pillars of support, delivering critical frontline services, including psychosocial support, safe spaces, and protection services for survivors of gender-based violence, often operating under extremely constrained and insecure conditions.

Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stated:

“Palestinian women continue to demonstrate extraordinary steadfastness and leadership in the face of immense hardship. On this International Women’s Day, we recognize not only their strength in surviving crisis, but also their vital role in leading recovery, supporting communities, and shaping a more just and inclusive future.”

H.E. Ambassador Tarja Kangaskorte, Head of the Representative Office of Finland in Ramallah, stated:

“We survive. We lead. Palestinian women embody these words every day. Across all sectors, they contribute to their communities with steadfast commitment, courage, and expertise. They are agents of change — strengthening community resilience, advancing human dignity, and sustaining hope for future generations. Their leadership is indispensable to peace, stability, and inclusive development. That is why Palestinian women in all their diversity must have a seat at every table where decisions are made. For Finland, advancing women’s and girls’ rights is at the core of our cooperation in Palestine.”

Caitlin Chittenden, Deputy Special Representative, UN Women Palestine, emphasized:

“Palestinian women are not only survivors of conflict; they are leaders, advocates, and drivers of change within their communities. Supporting women’s leadership and amplifying the voices of women-led organizations is essential for building a just and inclusive recovery.”

The crisis has also heightened risks faced by women and girls, including displacement, poverty, and the breakdown of protection systems.

Nestor Owomuhangi, UNFPA Representative in Palestine, noted:

“Palestinian women are not only enduring this crisis, they are leading their communities through it. Supporting women’s health, protection, and leadership, including the work of women-led organizations, is essential to ensuring dignity, resilience, and recovery.”

Ajith Sunghay, Head of Office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), said:

“Palestinian women have rights beyond mere survival. They have the right to safety and security, to a dignified living, to education and healthcare, and to organize and freely express their opinion. Like all Palestinians, they also have the right to shape their own futures.”

Ensuring that women and girls can access protection, sexual and reproductive health services, and opportunities to lead recovery efforts is critical for safeguarding rights and building a more just and resilient future for Palestine.

Supporting women’s leadership today is essential for rebuilding communities tomorrow.