Advocacy Materials

Girls and young women across the Middle East face systemic challenges that hinder the realization of their rights and opportunities for empowerment. In Palestine, sacred religious texts that often inform religious laws have been used to justify practices that promote gender-based violence and discrimination against women, leading to the exclusion of women from leadership positions. Nonetheless, faith organizations in Palestine have the potential to advocate for the reform of gender discriminatory laws which impact upon the ability of women to claim and enjoy their human rights. However, to challenge gender discriminatory laws that undermine women’s rights and gender equality in Palestine, faith-based organizations and women's rights champions need to gather evidence to inform their policy advocacy actions.

Below is a collection of advocacy materials and research produced by the ELCJHL's Gender Justice Ministry.

Research Papers

Women's Participation within Religious Courts in Palestine	2021	This paper examines the role of women in religious courts and highlights the importance of their participation in decision-making. -English
Discrimination in the Ecclesiastical Personal Status Laws in Palestine	2021	This comprehensive policy mapping analyzes discriminatory legal provisions within Ecclesiastical Personal Status Laws in Palestine. -English
التمييز في قوانين الأحوال الشخصية للكنائس في فلسطين	2021	This comprehensive policy mapping analyzes discriminatory legal provisions within Ecclesiastical Personal Status Laws in Palestine. -Arabic
Personal Status in Palestine between Multiple Laws and International Obligations	2021	This comprehensive policy mapping analyses discriminatory legal provisions within Sharial Personal Status Laws in Palestine. -English
الأحوال الشخصية في فلسطين بين التعددية والالتزامات الدولية	2021	This comprehensive policy mapping analyses discriminatory legal provisions within Sharial Personal Status Laws in Palestine. -Arabic
كتاب القس الدكتور منذر اسحق "قيادة المرأة في الكتاب المقدس و رسامتها في الكنيسة الانجيلية اللوثرية	2022	This book provides theological evidence from a Lutheran perspective supporting women’s ordination and leadership in the Lutheran church, used to counter criticism and advocate for gender equality within faith institutions. -Arabic
The Right to Child Custody in Palestinian Sharia and Ecclesiastical Courts: Between Legal Pluralism and the Best Interest of the Child	2023	This is collaborative study on custody rights within personal status laws (Sharia and Ecclesiastical Courts), navigating the complex interrelation between legal pluralism and the best interest of children in Palestinian personal status laws. -English
حق الحضانة في المحاكم الشرعية والكنسية الفلسطينية بين التعددية القانونية والمصلحة الفضلى للأطفال - الضفة الغربية والقدس الشرقية المحتلة	2023	This is collaborative study on custody rights within personal status laws (Sharia and Ecclesiastical Courts), navigating the complex interrelation between legal pluralism and the best interest of children in Palestinian personal status laws. -Arabic
Similar Stories, Wives: The H of Heaven in Hell	2023	This is a collection of real-life stories of women, shedding light on gender-based discrimination and the urgent need for legal and societal reforms. -English
حكايات متشابهة، الزوجات/ جيم الجنة في الجحيم	2023	This is a collection of real-life stories of women, shedding light on gender-based discrimination and the urgent need for legal and societal reforms. -Arabic
إطلالة حقوقية على وضع النساء و الفتيات القاطنات في قطاع غزة خلال حرب 2023/2024	2024	This study examines the human rights and humanitarian conditions of women and girls in the Gaza Strip from October 7, 2023 to August 15, 2024, highlighting the challenges and urgent needs they face. -Arabic
Women and Girls of Gaza in the Shadow of War	2024	This study examines the human rights and humanitarian conditions of women and girls in the Gaza Strip from October 7, 2023 to August 15, 2024, highlighting the challenges and urgent needs they face. -English

Videos

The ELCJHL’s Experience in Reforming Family Law: A documentary exploring the journey of the ELCJHL in revising its family law, highlighting the theological and legal justifications for reform.

Gender Justice and Women’s Leadership in the Church: A short film featuring male and female clergy discussing gender equality and women’s leadership roles in faith communities.

City of Justice- Animated Video on Custody Rights: A brief, engaging animation accompanying the research study on Custody Rights explaining the key legal challenges surrounding custody rights and advocating for reforms in personal status laws.

YW4A Program in Palestine: A Documentary: A documentary capturing the efforts of faith leaders, activists, and young women in dismantling patriarchal norms and advancing gender justice.

Women and Girls of Gaza in the Shadow of War: A video accompanying the research study on Women and Girls in Gaza, providing insights into the realities faced by women and girls in Gaza.