Latest news with #JordanianNationalCommissionforWomen
Jordan Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan ranks 123rd on global gender gap report
Jordan ranks 123rd out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report for the first quarter of 2025 (Petra photo) AMMAN — Jordan ranked 123rd out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report for the first quarter of 2025. In response to ongoing gender disparities, the Jordanian National Commission for Women and the technical team overseeing the Executive Programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision 2023–2025 have drafted preliminary standards for the proposed 'Institutional Seal,' a certification aimed at promoting women's empowerment in both the public and private sectors. The Ministry of Local Administration has formed an internal committee to review the list of permitted professions within municipalities, based on the National Guide for the Classification of Economic Establishments, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The committee is also working to classify unlicensed home-based professions, in coordination with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, with the aim of officially recognising and regulating them. In a parallel effort, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply has established a national technical team to support women-owned enterprises in accessing economic opportunities and expanding their market presence, Petra reported. Additionally, the government has outlined a plan to form a national team to develop a strategy for transitioning from informal to formal employment, particularly for women. To improve international data accuracy and transparency, Jordan has signed an agreement with the World Economic Forum to conduct an Executive Opinion Survey for 2025–2026. Coordination is ongoing with relevant institutions to update national indicators on international platforms, including those of UNESCO and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Petra reported.
Jordan Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
The National Commission for Women's Affairs Law 2024: Achievements and gaps
The Jordanian government has long pledged to improve the status of women, aligning national policies with international standards and responding to evolving social needs. As part of its broader political modernization efforts, the government has implemented measures to institutionalize women's roles in politics, including party quotas and increased parliamentary representation. Yet the numbers tell a more complex story. Women make up over 56 per cent of university graduates, but just 15 per cent of the workforce. This stark imbalance raises questions about the true efficacy of current policies. Women's contributions are vital to creating resilient, economically and socially empowered communities. Still, progress remains well below both the nation's ambitions and the aspirations of Jordanian women themselves. One of the key players in this effort is the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), founded in 1992 by Cabinet decision and later recognized in 1996 as the primary body for gender-related initiatives. The commission includes members from both governmental and non-governmental institutions and works to align Jordanian legislation with international gender equality standards. However, in recent years, the commission's priorities have come under scrutiny. Critics argue that the influence of specific political or ideological factions has led to the marginalization of many experienced female leaders and a narrowing of the commission's agenda. These concerns came to the fore with the introduction of the National Commission for Women's Affairs Law (2024), sparking debate among analysts, politicians, and religious scholars. Does the law genuinely strengthen the commission's role in line with political modernization goals? Should the commission act as a civil society organization, a government entity, or a hybrid? Can it operate effectively without clashing with Sharia or prevailing social norms — and what safeguards are in place to ensure that? Under Article 3, the law defines the commission as a civil society organization — not a government body. This gives it legal independence: the right to own property, sign contracts, and pursue litigation. Article 4 outlines the commission's mission: to advocate for women's rights as enshrined in the Constitution, to empower women politically, economically, and socially, to protect them from violence and discrimination, and to promote their role in sustainable development — in coordination with relevant institutions. This broad mandate is a welcome step toward equality and justice. But the law lacks concrete mechanisms for implementation or enforcement. Without these, the commission risks becoming merely advisory. Terms such as 'protection from violence' are vague. Will the commission function as a complaints body, similar to the Family Protection Department? Or will it investigate and act on violations directly? The law is unclear. Further ambiguity arises in the commission's role as a 'reference point' for developing policies on women's affairs. What falls under 'women's affairs'? Issues like personal status, education, and wages often fall under the jurisdiction of specific ministries or religious courts. The law's call for 'coordination' is commendable — but too vague. Without clearer definitions, gaps and overlaps are inevitable. The law needs revision to clearly delineate responsibilities and ensure inclusion of broader civil society voices — not just selected organizations. The law also assigns the commission a long list of tasks: providing technical support to government bodies, integrating gender into national plans and budgets, conducting research, and representing Jordan at regional and international forums. This expansive scope risks transforming the commission into an overstretched administrative body, far from its intended policy-driven role. Jordan already has women's studies centers, think tanks, and civil society institutions capable of conducting research and offering technical expertise. The commission should focus on shaping policy, while building partnerships with these organizations to maximize efficiency and impact. In sum, the National Commission for Women's Affairs Law is an important milestone — but one that requires refinement. Its success will depend on narrowing its scope, clarifying its authority, and ensuring broad-based, inclusive engagement. Only then can it truly serve as a catalyst for women's empowerment in Jordan. Page 2
Jordan Times
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Princess Basma says new JNCW law milestone for women's rights in Jordan
HRH Princess Basma, president of the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), on Thursday chaires a meeting of the Commission's Council (Petra photo) AMMAN — HRH Princess Basma, president of the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Commission's Council, describing the recent adoption of a new law governing the JNCW as a 'milestone' in advancing women's rights in Jordan. In her address to council members, Princess Basma said the legislation represents a pivotal step in both the institutional development of the Commission and the broader progress of Jordanian women, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. She emphasised that the law aligns with the Kingdom's national modernisation vision and will play a key role in enhancing women's participation in political, economic and social spheres. 'This law reflects a clear vision of women's essential contribution to national development,' the Princess said. She also commended the cooperative efforts between the Commission and various stakeholders that led to the law's approval. Minister of Social Development and Head of the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment, Wafa Bani Mustafa, reaffirmed the government's commitment to working closely with the JNCW to empower women and expand their role across society. Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdulmunim Oudat said the law embodies the political will to integrate women, youth, and all segments of society into Jordan's broader modernisation and development efforts. JNCW Secretary General Maha Ali presented the Commission's 2024 Annual Performance Report, highlighting key achievements and outlining strategic priorities for 2025. These include a focus on legislative advocacy, economic and political empowerment, and public awareness initiatives. Ali also shared preliminary findings from a mid-term evaluation of the National Strategy for Women 2020–2025, aimed at assessing the impact of current efforts and informing future initiatives.
Ammon
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Ammon
House approves draft law of National Commission for Women
Ammon News - The Lower House on Monday approved the draft law on the Jordanian National Commission for Women, as submitted by the Legal Committee. MPs refused to open Article 4 of the draft law to add the phrase "in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia." A number of MPs left the session in protest.
Jordan Times
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Lower House approves articles of law formalising Jordanian women's commission
The Lower House on Wednesday approves 4 out of 13 articles of a draft law establishing the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) for the year 2024 (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Lower House on Wednesday approved 4 out of 13 articles of a draft law establishing the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) for the year 2024. The decision was made during a legislative session chaired by Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi, and attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and Cabinet members, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Moneim Odat said that the draft law aims to grant the commission a legal foundation, formalising its status after operating under a Cabinet decision since 1992, adding that the legislation recognises the JNCW's role in shaping national strategies to empower women across political, economic and social domains. Debate during the session focused primarily on Article 4, which outlines the commission's objectives, including promoting women's rights, combating discrimination and enhancing women's participation in national development. Lawmakers rejected several recommendations by the Joint Parliamentary Committee and voted to retain key provisions related to protecting women from violence. Minister of State Ahmad Abbadi noted that the law does not create a new public institution but instead formalises the legal standing of an existing civil body. He noted that referring to the legislation as a "women's affairs law" would have introduced legal complications, stressing the commission's consultative role. Several MPs expressed support for the law, describing it as consistent with national values and reflective of Jordan's commitment to empowering women within cultural and religious frameworks. Lawmakers also agreed to update the title of the law to reflect the year 2025. The law will come into force 30 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
