LocationsSuccessful Completion of "INSAF" Pilot Phase: Middle East’s First Legal Incubator
October 5, 2023
During the conclusion of the pilot phase of the "INSAF" Legal Incubator initiated last year.
Gaza- The United Nations Development Programme/ Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP PAPP) through the Sawasya Joint Programme, and in partnership with the UCAS Technology Incubator at the University College of Applied Sciences in Gaza, celebrated the conclusion of the pilot phase of the "INSAF" Legal Incubator initiated last year.
The initiative’s main objective is to enhance the professional competence of emerging lawyers in the Gaza Strip, with a particular emphasis on empowering female lawyers as future partitioners and advancing their social responsibilities.
The closing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders including representatives from the UCAS Technology Incubator, Dr. Saeed Al-Badda, President of the University College of Applied Sciences, the Sawasya Joint Programme Analyst Mr. Mamoun Atili, as well as the Programme Coordinator of Civil Society Organizations Ms. Heba Murtaja, and the legal Incubator Project Coordinator.
Also present were representatives from the Palestinian Bar Association, the Women's Affairs Center, law schools, and civil society organizations as well as partners, and members of the legal incubator staff.
The "INSAF" Legal Incubator is a pioneering initiative in the Middle East that aims to strengthen the sustainable development of aspiring young male and female lawyers and empower them to establish their legal practices. This is achieved through intensive training programs covering various legal areas, including law, management, technology, and financial management.
This initiative also offered mentorship from experienced lawyers and prosecutors to cultivate socially responsible entrepreneurs, particularly those serving marginalized communities and improving access to justice, especially for women, girls, and children.
Throughout their participation in the Legal Incubator initiative, male and female lawyers provided legal services for cases referred by the Bar Association and CSOs via the Awn Network. Their efforts significantly contributed to expanding access to justice for vulnerable and marginalized groups.
The initiative complements traditional legal education by providing comprehensive training, guidance, and ongoing support to lawyers. The training program enhances legal skills, broadens understanding of various areas of law, and addresses ethical issues faced by private attorneys. Participants learned about basic business issues such as accounting, bookkeeping, and taxes, developing a marketing and business development strategy in addition to specialized training in areas such as small business law, family law, and real estate law.
During the event, Dr. Saeed Al-Badda, President of the University College of Applied Sciences, warmly welcomed the attendees, stating, "We are delighted to mark the successful conclusion of the initial phase of the 'INSAF' project. This initiative is in harmony with our commitment at the University College to our societal responsibility, aiming to support all groups within Palestinian society. Our goal is to foster entrepreneurship across diverse fields, create an enabling environment, and empower emerging male and especially female lawyers to access employment opportunities in the face of global technological transformations."
During the conclusion of the pilot phase of the "INSAF" Legal Incubator initiated last year.
On behalf of the Sawasya Joint Programme, Mr. Mamoun Atili expressed his profound pride in this remarkable achievement, stating, "We are immensely pleased by this accomplishment, as 'INSAF' represents the pioneering first legal incubator of its kind in the Middle East, launched as a pilot phase last year. Our heartfelt appreciation extends to the UCAS Technology Incubator and the University College of Applied Sciences for embracing, supporting, and effectively implementing this innovative concept.” He added, “Within the framework of the Sawasya Joint Programme, we are constantly committed to disseminating and replicating this innovative experience in the West Bank, especially after its resounding success in the Gaza Strip." Mr. Atili concluded by extending his deepest congratulations to the lawyers who have benefited from this project, extending his best wishes for their forthcoming professional journeys.
The closing ceremony featured success stories, and a visual presentation and concluded with a tribute to the lawyers who were integral to the training program.
The "INSAF" Legal Incubator has yielded promising outcomes targeting 15 lawyers including 10 female lawyers who dealt with approximately 75 cases hailing from low-income backgrounds, thus reinforcing the concept of social responsibility among the targeted lawyers.
For instance, Rawan AlHaj Yousef, a graduate of the Islamic University of Gaza, secured 15 online legal assignments on her first day of the freelance jobs training, “I was so happy to eventually achieve financial independence and earn more than $900 after many attempts over a long time.”
Waseem Loubad, a UCAS University graduate, experienced transformation during his time at “INSAF”, securing 70 cases in the Northern Gaza court. The court began to specifically request Waseem to represent cases with no appointed lawyers. "The experience with Insaf reshaped me," Waseem reflects. "Now, it is not just about the cases I take on; it's how I interact with people and how I perceive my role in the justice system that has fundamentally changed."
