24% of Palestinian women earn less than minimum wage, reveals PA minister

Official PA TV program Palestine This Morning, on International Women’s Day, interview with PA Minister of Women’s Affairs Amal Hamad

PA Minister of Women’s Affairs Amal Hamad: “We are currently working to raise [the minimum wage] to 1,880 [Israeli] shekels (approximately $550 -Ed.). That is the goal and that is the right for the women, because there is an increase in the cost of living and 1,880 shekels is a small amount compared to the needs of living, but unfortunately the previous (i.e., current) minimum wage is 1,450 shekels (less than $450 -Ed.). Twenty-four percent of women receive less than minimum wage. In other words, before we speak about 1,880 [shekels], we are speaking about what is being implemented, which is supposed to be 1,450 [shekels]. Twenty-four percent of women receive less than 1,450 [shekels], which is minimum wage. They are working in clothing, nursery schools, and kindergartens.”

[Official PA TV, Palestine This Morning, March 8, 2021]