« Training Manual on Gender and Women’s Rights »

Press Release - January 8th 2007

Baladna - Association for Arab youth’s new release :

“Training Manual on Gender and Women’s Rights”.

Baladna - Association for Arab youth, with the support of ACSUR Las Segovias & the Spanish cooperation, has published a new “Training Manual on Gender and Women’s Rights” written and compiled by Inas Margieh.

The manual offers a basic understanding for gender and the international charter of women’s rights. Its training materials depend on negotiation and dialogue ; this gives participants the chance to reciprocate thoughts and experiences.

The manual includes three main chapters :
• An introduction to gender.
• An introduction to gender roles and need.
• An introduction to women’s rights.

Each chapter includes different information used as a guide for the facilitator ; a list of basic terminology, a list of movies, plays and media releases, and a list of books and articles for further reading.

Baladna already published a number of manuals which are all used as guides for the non-formal educators and people who work with Palestinian youth. These publications deal with issues of gender, identity etc... such as : Guidance Manual for Identity, The Manual of Movement Activities, Educational Debate Manual, and the Training Manual on Gender and Women rights which is the first of it’s kind in the Palestinian society in Israel.
Through these publications and releases Baladna seeks to share its 5 year experience with the thousands of students who formed a very important part of the Baladna family, and also to make these publications available for other organizations to benefit from.

The director of Baladna, Mr. Nadim Nashif mentions the important role of Baladna in raising awareness amongst the Arab youth : “Ever since the organization was established, it has always given importance to raising the political and social awareness among youth. This importance sprung from the belief that equality, justice and freedom are full-bodied values that cannot be divided and implemented only in certain groups or societies”.
Inas Margieh, Gender Manual writer, adds : “Today, as a result of unequal education and the lack of gender educational programs for both girls and boys ; oppression of women remains an impediment in the process of her self fulfillment, and it will cause a greater problem for society at large. This is the main reason why we are in great need to discuss issues related to gender equality in the Palestinian society”.

For more information : 048523035