What YWCA Palestine does

YWCA of Palestine is a non-governmental, non-profit women's association founded in 1893 through informal groups of Christian women and formally established in Jerusalem in 1918. It operates as a federation of four local associations across Jerusalem, Ramallah, Jericho, and Bethlehem, serving women and youth in Palestine through three thematic programs: Economic Empowerment (vocational training in Office Management, Management Information Systems, Psychology and Counseling, IT, Photography and Filmmaking, Graphic Design, and Modern Kitchen, with certificates accredited by the Palestinian Ministry of Labor), Leadership and Civic Engagement (youth clubs, student parliaments, international youth forums under UNSCR 2250), and Just Peace (UNSCR 1325 advocacy, international conferences, and the Joint Advocacy Initiative with East Jerusalem YMCA). It is affiliated with the global World YWCA movement, giving it UN ECOSOC consultative status and access to a network spanning more than 65 countries.

The organization's revenue model is grant-dependent rather than commercial. Primary funding comes from restricted and unrestricted grants and contributions from institutional international donors including the Government of the Netherlands, Bread for the World (Germany), Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, Kerk in Actie (Netherlands), Swedish Mission Council, Global Fund for Women, Y Global Norway, UNRWA partnerships, Horyzon (Switzerland), and World YWCA. Secondary internal funding sources include vocational training fees, rental of premises, kindergarten fees, sales from a food production unit, and symbolic advocacy products (olive wood dolls, ornaments, and replicas) priced $7–$65 on the Support Us page. There is no proprietary technology platform; the organization's technical footprint consists of a website, YouTube channel, email newsletter, and downloadable publications library.

Name

YWCA Palestine

Legal name

The YWCA of Palestine

Website

https://ywca.ps

Company type

Private

Founded year

1918

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

YWCA Palestine is a non-governmental, non-profit women's association operating in the West Bank since 1893 (formally 1918), delivering vocational training, youth civic engagement, and just-peace advocacy programs for Palestinian women and youth through four local associations, funded primarily by European institutional grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Non-profit Social Services — Women and Youth Empowerment

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Professional Organizations (81392), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Gender Equality & Women’s Rights (BPADAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Post-Conflict Recovery, Reconciliation & Social Cohesion Programs (BPADAFAL), Workplace Culture, DEI & Psychological Safety (EDAAAKAJ), Assessment, Certification & Qualifications Frameworks (BPADAKAL)

Keywords

• Women empowerment programs
• Vocational training services
• Youth civic engagement
• Gender-based violence prevention
• Community development initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Palestine

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. External Funding (Grants and Contributions): Restricted and unrestricted grants and contributions from international partners and donors including World YWCA, Y Global Norway, Global Fund for Women, Government of the Netherlands, Bread for the World, Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, Swedish Mission Council, Kerk in Actie, and others. This constitutes the primary external funding source for programs.
2. Vocational Training Fees: Fees charged to students and trainees attending vocational training programs at centers in Ramallah and Jerusalem. Programs include Office Management, Information Technology, Psychology and Counseling, Photography, Graphic Design, and Modern Kitchen diplomas.
3. Rental of Premises: Internal funding generated from rental of association premises and facilities.
4. Sales from Production Unit and Kindergarten Fees: Revenue generated from food production units and kindergarten fees collected from the association's early childhood education services.
5. Donations and Membership Fees: Support from partners and individual donors through the Support Us page, including the purchase of olive wood products (The Fabric of Our Lives, The Olive Tree Campaign) and general donations. Membership fees from the association's member base.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The YWCA of Palestine is a non-governmental women's and youth association that delivers vocational training diplomas (Office Management, IT, Psychology and Counseling, Photography and Filmmaking, Graphic Design, Modern Kitchen) through two training centers in Ramallah and Jerusalem, alongside programmatic interventions in Economic Empowerment, Leadership & Civic Engagement, and Just Peace. It also conducts national and international advocacy on women's rights and UNSCR 1325/2250, sells symbolic olive wood advocacy gifts, and operates internship and youth leadership development programs.

Product overview

YWCA of Palestine is a non-governmental women's organization offering a multi-faceted portfolio of programs and services across three thematic areas: Economic Empowerment, Leadership & Civic Engagement, and Just Peace. The core service delivery includes two vocational training centers (Ramallah and Jerusalem) offering seven diploma programs (Office Management, Management Information Systems, Psychology and Counseling, Information Technology, Photography and Filmmaking, Graphic Design, and Modern Kitchen) plus short courses. The organization implements numerous projects including YW4A (Young Women for Awareness, Agency, Advocacy, and Accountability), Manarat, Youth Forums, Makani, Wujood, Sawasia 2, and economic empowerment initiatives. Advocacy products include olive wood dolls (The Fabric of Our Lives), the Olive Tree Campaign, and publications. The organization also operates internship programs and sells advocacy gift items. Key conferences include International Women's Conference around UNSCR 1325 and International Youth Conference around UNSCR 2250. YWCA Palestine holds observer status at the United Nations through World YWCA membership.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Vocational Training Centers Two vocational training centers in Ramallah and Jerusalem delivering diploma programs and short courses that provide women and youth with technical and professional skills for labor market competitiveness. Programs are accredited by the Palestinian Ministry of Labor.
• Office Management Diploma Diploma program providing administrative and management skills (ten-month in Ramallah; one-year in Jerusalem with 30 hours of voluntary work). Certificates accredited by Palestinian Ministry of Labor.
• Information Technology Diploma Two-year program providing internet software and smartphone application development skills for local and international labor market access. Accredited by Palestinian Ministry of Labor.
• Psychology and Counseling Diploma Six-month program providing psychological techniques, applied practical counseling skills, stress management, and crisis intervention strategies. Accredited by Palestinian Ministry of Labor.
• Photography and Filmmaking Diploma One-year program (Jerusalem) teaching still photography, videography, filmmaking, and video editing with business startup training for small business creation.
• Graphic Design Diploma One-year program (Jerusalem) teaching graphic design skills with local company training and business startup support.
• Modern Kitchen Diploma One-year program (Jerusalem) teaching culinary arts including nutrition, cost accounting, oriental and international dishes, and sweets, with local institution training and business startup support.
• Economic Empowerment Program Thematic program empowering women to demand their rights from duty bearers and at the same time create employment opportunities through vocational training programs and entrepreneurship development for dignified living.
• Leadership and Civic Engagement Program Youth-centered programming offering safe spaces for youth to grow, learn, and engage, building knowledge and capacity around participation in decision-making at local, national, and organizational levels.
• Just Peace Program Program building women's and youth capacities in human rights, UNSCR 1325, and UNSCR 2250 to enable them to influence the global agenda on just peace.
• YW4A Program Five-year Young Women for Awareness, Agency, Advocacy, and Accountability program empowering young women and strengthening their presence in leadership and decision-making spaces. Implemented with national governmental, civil society, grassroots, and international institutions.
• Manarat Project Project empowering and building capacity of eight women's community-based organizations and 160 young women in eight localities of Hebron governorate for labor market participation and civic engagement.
• Women's Economic Empowerment in Bethlehem and North Hebron Project funded by Bread for the World in nine villages of Bethlehem and North Hebron, providing women's cooperatives with production equipment and marketing support to enhance women's access to income sources.
• Y Youth Clubs/Young Citizen Project targeting school students aged 13-19 in 70 schools including ten UNRWA schools for youth empowerment and active citizenship, delivered in partnership with 17 community-based organizations, Ministry of Education, and National Student Council in Norway.
• Youth Forums Project providing safe spaces for youth expression and promoting their roles as agents of change through capacity-building, delivered in cooperation with Y Global Norway.
• Makani Project Project providing supportive environment for active societal roles through safe spaces focused on Alternatives to Violence, in cooperation with Kerk in Actie Netherlands.
• Wujood Project Project empowering young women and men aged 17-38 to claim social and economic rights, including training youth specialists on UNSCRs 1325 and 2250 in Ramallah and al-Bireh governorate. Funded by Swedish Mission Council.
• Sawasia 2 Project Project promoting protection of women against gender-based violence through advocacy for Family Protection Bill adoption, 16 Days of Activism campaigns, and youth-led initiatives. Co-funded by UN Women, UNDP, and UNICEF.
• We Have the Right to Protection Project Project challenging culture of silence around violence against women, promoting accountability and empathy for survivors through capacity-building workshops and advocacy campaigns. Funded by Global Fund for Women.
• Olive Tree Campaign — Keep Hope Alive Solidarity campaign supporting Palestinian farmers through $20 olive tree donations, covering planting, field preparation, irrigation, and protection costs. Operated jointly with East Jerusalem YMCA via the Joint Advocacy Initiative.
• The Fabric of Our Lives Project featuring six olive wood dolls with accompanying booklets telling refugee women's stories of the 1948 Nakba, serving as an advocacy tool for refugee women's right of return.
• Olive Wood Dolls and Gifts Handcrafted olive wood dolls representing Palestinian refugee women (Fatima, Heigar, Mariam, Zahiyah, Zana, Zuhdiyah) priced at $35 each, with bracelets ($7 each or $30 per set) and Christmas ornaments ($10 each or $35 per set) as accessories supporting refugee women.
• Breaking Down the Wall Replica Ten-inch five-piece olive wood replica of the Israeli Annexation Wall ($20) with accompanying booklet on the Wall's impact and Advent prayers, sold as advocacy gift.
• Flight into Egypt Statue Olive wood statue depicting Holy Family flight into Egypt as archetype of Palestinian refugee families ($15), with call to promote refugee rights.
• National and International Advocacy Service mobilizing stakeholders through membership in national and international forums including UNSCR 1325 Higher Commission, CEDAW coalition, NGOs Forum to Combat Violence Against Women, and representation at CSW and UN Human Rights Council.
• Joint Advocacy Initiative (JAI) Initiative established with East Jerusalem YMCA in 2001 advocating for Just Peace through different campaigns and organizing annual Journey for Justice visits.
• International Youth Conference on UNSCR 2250 First international youth conference (2018) under UNSCR 2250, in partnership with Al-Haq, Al Marsad, YMCA Gaza, and JAI, with support from YWCA/YMCAs of Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Horyzon, World YWCA, UNFPA, and Global Ministries.
• Second Youth Conference on UNSCR 2250 Second edition conference (2022) under auspices of Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Muhammad Shtayyeh, in partnership with UNFPA, with over 200 young participants from West Bank and Gaza.
• International Women's Conference on UNSCR 1325 International conference convened in 2014 in Bethlehem focusing on Women's Freedom, Peace, and Dignity in Palestine: UNSCR 1325 for Accountability.
• Internship Program Program providing economic and psychological support to young women through internship opportunities, helping participants discover capabilities and develop professional skills.
• Publications Library Annual reports (2005-2025), newsletters, research papers, fact sheets, UNSCR 2250 handbooks and memory cards, Alternatives to Violence Approach guidebook, and conference reports available via the Publications page.

Quantifiable outcome

• Five-year YW4A program concluded September 2025, bringing together national governmental, civil society, grassroots, and international institutions to empower young women in leadership and decision-making.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and secondary.

• World YWCAflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerYWCA Palestine is a member association of the World YWCA, a global movement working for the rights of women, young women, and girls in over 65 countries. The World YWCA holds special consultative status at UN ECOSOC. YWCA Palestine participates in World YWCA delegations to CSW and global events.
• Y Global Norway (KFUK-KFUM Global)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding and implementation partner for Youth Forums project and EVS volunteer exchange program. Supports YWCA Palestine's youth programming including Global Week participation and international exchanges.
• UN Women PalestinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYWCA Palestine is part of the Palestinian delegation led by the Ministry of Women's Affairs and participates in joint initiatives. Co-funded Sawasia 2 project alongside UNDP and UNICEF.
• Kerk in Actie (Kerkinactie)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch church organization partnering on the Makani project providing safe spaces and alternatives to violence training for youth aged 18–30 in the West Bank.
• East Jerusalem YMCAflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded the Joint Advocacy Initiative (JAI) in 2001, dedicated to advocating for Just Peace in Palestine through campaigns and solidarity visits (Journey for Justice). Operates the Olive Tree Campaign – Keep Hope Alive.
• International Service (UK)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based organization partnering on the 'Equal Rights for Palestine' project funded by the European Solidarity Corps, promoting solidarity and social inclusion through volunteer exchanges.
• Palestinian NGOs Forum to Combat Violence Against Women (Al Muntada)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner for combating violence against women. YWCA Palestine hosted Al Muntada for two consecutive years (2017–2019). Jointly implements Sawasia 2 and 'We Have the Right to Protection' projects.
• UNRWAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. YWCA Palestine partners with UNRWA in the Y Youth Clubs/Young Citizen project implemented in 10 UNRWA schools, reaching refugee students across the West Bank.
• Palestinian Red CrescentsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Palestinian humanitarian organization. YWCA Palestine held closing event for YW4A program at the Palestinian Red Crescent Theatre in Al-Bireh.
• Al-Harah TheatresecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheatre troupe in Beit Jala partnering on performances addressing gender-based violence and workplace harassment, including 'Matab' (YW4A closing) and 'Your White Penny' (16 Days of Activism).
• YWCA JapancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapanese YWCA co-organizing parallel events at CSW sessions, webinars on solidarity with Palestine (Nakba commemoration), and mutual advocacy support.
• General Union of Palestinian WomencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational women's organization. President Intisar Al-Wazir participates in YWCA events including 'From Pain to Hope' exhibition. YWCA is active in the National Coalition for Implementation of UNSCR 1325 headed by the Union.
• YCare InternationalsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational development organization partnering with YWCA Palestine on youth and community development initiatives.
• Palestinian Ministry of Women’s AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry providing leadership in YW4A program events, policy advocacy, and national coordination on women's empowerment and gender-based violence.
• Palestinian Ministry of LaborcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint technical committee with YW4A young women and civil society organizations drafted a regulatory framework to combat sexual harassment in the workplace. Minister Inas Al-Atari participated in YW4A closing event.
• Palestinian UniversitiessecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerYWCA Palestine partners with Palestinian universities in the Youth Forums project across Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Jordan Valley.
• Local Village Councils and Popular CommitteescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government councils and popular committees partner in Wujood project across four localities in Ramallah and al-Bireh governorate, and other community-based programs.
• Palestinian MuseumsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for the 'From Pain to Hope' exhibition and dialogue embodying the Palestinian feminist narrative, part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• UN Women Palestine: UN entity advancing gender equality and women's empowerment in Palestine; YWCA Palestine is part of its delegation to CSW and co-funder of Sawasia 2. Operates broader mandate across women's rights but overlaps significantly in beneficiary focus and donor coordination.
• UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency): UN agency serving Palestinian refugees; YWCA Palestine partners with UNRWA in the Y Youth Clubs/Young Citizen project across 10 UNRWA schools. Operates at vastly larger scale with a refugee-services mandate, but directly comparable in target beneficiary population and West Bank operational footprint.
• World YWCA: Global parent federation of which YWCA Palestine is a member association; coordinates women's rights and young women's leadership programming across 100+ countries and holds UN ECOSOC consultative status that YWCA Palestine leverages for advocacy.

Direct peers

• General Union of Palestinian Women: National Palestinian women's rights organization and YWCA Palestine partner; co-implements the National Coalition for Implementation of UNSCR 1325 and co-hosts events such as the 'From Pain to Hope' exhibition. Directly comparable in mission, national scope, and gender-equality advocacy.
• East Jerusalem YMCA: Co-founding partner of the Joint Advocacy Initiative (JAI) with YWCA Palestine since 2001 and operates parallel youth, community development, and peace-advocacy programs in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Directly comparable in mission, geography, beneficiary base, and donor ecosystem.
• Palestinian NGOs Forum to Combat Violence Against Women (Al Muntada): Coalition of Palestinian NGOs combating gender-based violence; co-implements Sawasia 2 and 'We Have the Right to Protection' with YWCA Palestine. Directly comparable in mission focus (women's protection, GBV advocacy) and donor ecosystem.
• YCare International: UK-based international development organization partnering with YWCA Palestine on youth and community development initiatives; part of the global YMCA/YWCA movement family. Comparable in youth-led development model and faith-affiliated donor base.
• Al-Haq: Palestinian human rights organization that co-organized the International Youth Conference around UNSCR 2250 with YWCA Palestine. Comparable in advocacy focus on rights documentation, international forums, and donor ecosystem (European institutional funders).

Emerging players

• Wi'am Palestinian Conflict Resolution Center: Bethlehem-based Palestinian NGO focused on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and women's empowerment. Operates in overlapping thematic areas (peace, women, youth) with comparable programmatic model and donor base, but at smaller scale than YWCA Palestine.

Regional players

• YMCA Gaza: Sibling organization to East Jerusalem YMCA operating in the Gaza Strip, focused on youth and community development. Comparable in programmatic model and donor ecosystem but operates in a different geography that YWCA Palestine does not currently serve.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCL1aEzvduB_1Po0XvBJjBPw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-ywca-of-palestine

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about YWCA Palestine