Normative Anchor or an Operational System: Where Does Palestine Stand in CEDAW Ratification with Regard to Employment?

Although Palestine ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 2014 without reservations, women’s participation in the labor force has stagnated over the past fifteen years, fluctu-ating between 16% and 20%. In light of the explicit commitments under Article 11 of the CEDAW regarding employment, it is essential to assess the extent to which these commitments are aligned with the national legal frameworks and institutional practices to recognize their role in achieving SDGs 5 (gender equality) and 8 (decent work). This study employs a mixed-method design, where quantitative findings reveal a widespread, albeit superficial, awareness of Article 11, with one-third of respondents reporting they did not attempt to review reliable sources to learn about it. In contrast, self-learned respondents showed significantly higher levels of knowledge. Qualitative results highlight the symbolic nature of reform, fragmented advocacy efforts, limited enforcement capacity, wage inequality, and the fragility of the private sector. Overall, the findings reveal a persistent gap between international commitments and domestic implementation. Strengthening legal rights, enforcement mechanisms, inter-institutional coordination, and civil society partnerships at the national level are essential to translating the normative commitments of CEDAW into tangible improvements in women’s employment outcomes and to promoting gender-responsive and sustainable reforms.