AMMAN —
Jordan’s classification as the 11th in the Arab world and 155th globally in
women’s representation in Parliament, according to the
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) global and regional averages report, is described by lawmakers and
activists who spoke to
Jordan News as “inequity”.
اضافة اعلان
According to the
lawmakers and activists, although there are those who are those who are
empowered, Jordanian women are still oppressed by their society, which continues
to underestimate them despite their “proven abilities to succeed” in various
sectors. They voiced hope, however, that the amended election and parties laws,
once endorsed, would further empower women to acquire at least 30 percent of
seats in
Parliament.
MP Dina Al-Bashir
told
Jordan News that amending legislation is not a radical solution that would
offer adequate status to women. “We have to change the culture that still
underestimates women and to alter the stereotyped image of women”, adding that
for women to assume leading positions, there has to be a fundamental change in
society’s mindset.
MP Zainab
Al-Bdoul told
Jordan News that
women parliamentarians still face many
challenges and difficulties, “and therefore they cannot become a force or to
assume decision-making positions”.
However,
according to Bdoul, “there has been great progress in the role of women in
Parliament since the beginning of parliamentary life until today, which is a
manifestation of Royal efforts and encouragement.”
MP Tammam
Al-Riyati told
Jordan News that Jordanian women still lack the “golden
opportunity” to prove themselves, despite the fact that they “have the
necessary skills to take on leading positions”.
Riyati believes
that Jordan is witnessing a regression in the role of Jordanian women in the
House of Representatives. “We need support from everyone, especially women’s
organizations, to implement a new
Election Law, which we hope will give more
opportunities to women in Parliament.”
She urged women
to support each other despite all the difficulties and challenges they might
face. “Women should create opportunities for themselves and to prove to society
they are capable.”
In comments to
Jordan News, activist
Nuha Al-Muhairiz said that despite the great attempts to
enhance women’s participation in political life, and advance their role in
decision-making, “women continue to face great challenges,” adding that it
remains difficult for communities to accept competition between men and women
running for parliamentary seats, which requires a change in attitudes.
Muhairiz added
that “with due respect to the quota system, women continue to be marginalized
and excluded,” noting that a new political culture must be nurtured in the
interest of a new generation, where society’s misconception of women’s role is
altered and is more welcoming of women. “We need to create leadership role
models and symbols, who will be followed by others.” Moreover, she said that
the current
economic situation is not conducive to women’s advancement, “since
the economy plays a key role in society’s progress.
MP Omar Al-Zyoud
disagrees that the problem lies with society, saying that it “has become more
and more receptive and aware of the importance of women’s role, especially in
political life, but it remains up to women to prove themselves and to push for
their participation in public life.”
Zyoud said that
the Election Law will be amended to become “compatible with the needs of our
modern times,” expressing hope that women will be able to overcome all challenges
and prove their capabilities under all circumstances.
According to the IPU
ranking, the
UAE scored the highest in the Arab world with women making up 50
percent of its national assembly, followed by Iraq with 28.9 percent women’s
representation in parliament, while third came Egypt with women assuming 27.7
percent of its parliamentary seats.
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