Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study examines the extent and nature of Palestinian women’s political participation and leadership, highlighting the challenges they encounter in accessing and exercising power within political and public arenas. Despite formal policy advances, ongoing occupation, entrenched patriarchy, and political fragmentation continue to create significant barriers to meaningful political inclusion. Grounded in feminist institutionalism, the research analyzes how formal institutional frameworks and informal socio-cultural norms interact to shape women’s political engagement, while assessing the impact of gender equality policies within this complex socio-political landscape. METHODS: This study employs a qualitatively-driven mixed-methods design to examine women’s political participation in Palestine. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of twenty Palestinian women—including politicians, activists, and policy experts—representing diverse backgrounds. Thematic analysis, using Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework, identified key themes related to barriers, enablers, and the perceived impact of gender-related policies. To contextualize these findings, quantitative data from official sources—such as the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics and the Central Elections Commission—were used to map national trends in women’s political representation. RESULTS: Findings reveal that while gender equality policies such as the creation of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and legislative quotas have yielded formal achievements, these measures remain largely superficial and symbolic. Political power continues to be concentrated within patriarchal and elite networks, limiting genuine representation and influence of women, especially grassroots activists. Legal ambiguities and political repression further undermine women’s political engagement. Nevertheless, Palestinian women demonstrate resilience through creative resistance and continued activism in civil society and public spaces. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the gap between formal gender equality policies and substantive political empowerment of women in Palestine, emphasizing the need for structural reforms that address institutional, cultural, and political barriers. Strengthening women’s political involvement is crucial not only for advancing gender justice but also for fostering inclusive governance in a fragmented and conflict-affected society. Future efforts should focus on amplifying grassroots voices, enhancing legal protections, and challenging patriarchal norms embedded within political institutions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24958-5.