The Jerusalem Center for Women (JCW) is a Palestinian non-governmental Women’s Center located in East Jerusalem and established in March 1994. Its counter partner is Bat Shalom, an Israeli women’s center in West Jerusalem. Though JCW and Bat Shalom carry out joint Palestinian-Israeli programs through their coordinating body, the Jerusalem Link, the two centers operate independently, maintaining executive and organizational integrity. The model of the Jerusalem Link was created during a series of meetings held in Jerusalem and Brussels from May 1989 through November 1991. These meetings involved prominent Palestinian and Israeli political figures and activists who had converged to establish a shared basis for understanding and commitment. This basis was recognition of the right of all peoples in the region to live in dignity and security; the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination alongside Israel and the right of all peoples to choose their legitimate representatives. This arrangement is in effect the first time that Palestinian and Israeli organizations have worked so closely together for the advancement of women and human rights in the region, as well as towards resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

JCW is committed to advancing joint peace work, to stand against occupation, oppression, war, apartheid, humiliation and poverty. Our role also is to develop and promote women’s vision and politics based on respect for human rights, human security, social justice, mutual trust and morality.

Our Vision
The Jerusalem Center for Women envisions Palestinian women empowered and involved in the process of nation and state building and all aspects of Palestinian civil society development.

Our Mission
We 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 and build a just peace.

Our Goals
1. Women’s empowerment in community and political activism
2. Protection and advancement of Palestinian women’s rights and status
3. Women’s involvement in realizing a regional peace based on justice
4. Establishment of local and international networks supporting JCW
    in achieving its goals.