PS4L Honors Schools Promoting Women and Girls’ Empowerment Across Palestine

Ramallah, October 1, 2025 — Palestine Sports for Life (PS4L) held an award and recognition ceremony for the winners and participants of the “Promoting Women and Girls’ Participation and Social Inclusion in Society 2025” competition at the Women’s Community College in Ramallah.

The event was organized by PS4L under the “Khutwa – Safe Spaces” program, in collaboration with Frieda – The Feminist Peace Organization and UNRWA. It brought together teachers, students, and community representatives from various Palestinian governorates to celebrate innovative school initiatives that enhanced the participation and inclusion of women and girls in society.

The ceremony reflected the objectives of the Khutwa – Safe Spaces Program, launched in 2022 to provide safe, supportive environments for marginalized groups in Palestine through sports and life skills. The program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has now expanded to cover 12 governorates across the West Bank.

This year’s competition saw the participation of 18 schools, each presenting unique initiatives that embodied creativity, empowerment, and civic responsibility. Ten schools were recognized, with Beit Surik Girls School in Jerusalem earning first place for its initiative “My Space Has a Voice – The Butterfly Effect.” Dura Girls Elementary School in Hebron won second place, and Qalandia Girls School / Child Club in Ramallah and Al-Bireh received third place. The remaining schools were also acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to building more inclusive and equitable communities. Each of the ten recognized schools received $900 to support the implementation of their initiatives.

Due to security restrictions, 26 representatives attended the ceremony in person, while others joined virtually via Zoom to ensure everyone’s safety. Key speakers included Mr. Moawia Imar representing UNRWA, Dr. Bashar Rawajbeh on behalf of PS4L, and Ms. Fidaa Shafie from Frieda, who joined remotely. All commended the students’ creativity, the inspiring impact of their projects, and expressed gratitude to all participants.

The ceremony highlighted the importance of sports and life skills in fostering empowerment and social responsibility. It provided a platform for girls to express their voices, share their experiences, and lead community initiatives that reflect their realities and aspirations. Teachers and participants emphasized that for girls in marginalized areas, sports are not just physical activities — they are a source of hope, resilience, and empowerment.

Building on this year’s success, PS4L and its partners plan to hold follow-up sessions with schools, support the winning initiatives, and expand collaboration with Frieda, UNRWA, and the Directorates of Education to create more training opportunities and encourage participation in future competitions.

PS4L extended its appreciation to all partners and participating schools for their commitment and contribution to the success of the event, reaffirming its shared dedication to empowering youth and girls and promoting equality and inclusion across Palestinian communities.