Established in March 1994, the Jerusalem Center for Women (JCW) is a Palestinian non-governmental women’s center located in East Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Center for Women was founded simultaneously with the Israeli women’s center Bat Shalom located in West Jerusalem. JCW and Bat Shalom carry out joint Palestinian-Israeli programs through a coordinating body known as the Jerusalem Link. JCW is committed to advancing joint peace initiatives despite changing political realities. JCW remains committed to developing relationships with other Israeli peace groups who share the vision for peace building.
The five core programs that JCW implements are:
- peace building
- training for empowerment
- defense of women’s rights
- female youth leadership development
- defense of occupied East Jerusalem
The mission of the center is to provide Palestinian women with venues for training in democracy, human rights, advocacy and life skills in order to advance women’s status and role in the decision- making process, as well as to protect human rights and democratic principles.
JCW’s main goals are:
- women’s empowerment in community and political activism
- protection and advancement of Palestinian women’s rights and status
- women’s involvement in realizing regional peace based on justice
- establishment of local and international networks supporting JCW in achieving its goals
The center’s website includes more details about the activities and projects undertaken by the center to fulfill their goals and reports on the progress of the projects. A description of the different campaigns done by the center is also available on the website. The website also includes a detailed list of the centers’ publications.