It elaborated four governing principles: citizenship, empowerment, gender mainstreaming and innovation. These principles informed the plan’s 12 key lines of action: 1) political and social participation, 2) economic participation, 3) coresponsibility, 4) education, 5) innovation, 6) science, 7) health, 8) communication and media, 9) diversity and social inclusion, 10) violence, 11) foreign and development co-operation policy, and 12) guarantee of the right to equality. The previous Ministry for Equality (2008-10) and the Women’s Institute monitored the development of the measures and actions included in the plan. For example, the Palestinian Authority adopted the Cross-Sectoral National Gender Strategy 2011-2013, which serves as a cornerstone for the elaboration of the Palestinian Development Plan for the next three years. Study participants emphasised the critical importance of these strategies as a means to uphold and safeguard women’s rights in the aftermath of the Arab Spring and fast-track women into politics and public service.