The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Reducing Unemployment in Palestine

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to identify the role of civil society organizations in reducing unemployment in Palestine and the extent of coordination between the Government and these organizations, as well as the challenges they face in their work.

Methods: The study adopted the descriptive-analytical approach by following the qualitative method where (5) interviews were conducted with representatives from civil society organizations who were chosen using the purposive sampling approach. The study also applied the quantitative method where (119) questionnaires were distributed to citizens who were chosen using the convenient sampling approach. The study measured the role of civil society organizations in reducing unemployment by examining the effective management practices of civil society organizations, the quality of programs and projects implemented to reduce unemployment, and the extent to which the organizations' adequate funding capacity contributed to reducing unemployment.

Results: The study found that the quality of effective administrative practices of civil society organizations contributed to reducing unemployment to a high degree. However, there is a decrease in the quality of programs and projects implemented by civil society organizations in reducing unemployment, in addition to the weak coordination between civil society organizations and the government. The results also show that the degree of satisfaction with the funding ability of these organizations is relatively low. With regard to challenges, the study showed that the Israeli occupation is the biggest obstacle that faces civil society organizations' efforts to reduce unemployment.

Conclusion: The results of the study emphasize the need to promote the quality of programs and projects implemented by civil society organizations by working on developing strategies that contribute to creating real job opportunities and hence reducing unemployment.