USAID's Civic Engagement Program is empowering women through a project it is implementing together with the Women, Media and Development organization, commonly referred to as TAM, in Bethlehem City. The initiative is helping this women's media organization provide basic services in media and communications, while supporting the organization's ability to teach professional media practices that respect democratic principles, freedom of speech and gender equality through cooperation with the local media.
Through the project, media and gender specialists introduce Palestinian women to the power of media in creating social change, including changing stereotypes. The women also learn about the different media fields and sectors. Specifically, TAM works to create a Palestinian Observatory to monitor the image of women in the media.
USAID's Civic Engagement Program provided technical support for TAM and completed interior finishing works of its new headquarters, including a center for women’s programs, trainings, and workshops, as well as a media production studio, administrative offices, and audio/visual library. Additionally, the USAID program provided software and equipment to streamline TAM’s daily processes.
The USAID grant for TAM was complimentary to USAID's Palestinian Authority Capacity Enhancement Project. TAM partnered with the Project to strengthen the relationship between the Palestinian Authority and its citizens through the Local Governments by increasing awareness of Palestinian Local Governments about their important role in protecting the rights and duties of local communities.