AMMAN — Some
political activists are clamoring for a parliamentary seat designated to a
Christian woman.
اضافة اعلان
Women’s overall
representation in the
House of Representatives is comparatively low: 15 out of
the 130 available seats. The same applies to minorities: there are nine seats
for Christians and three seats for Circassians/Chechens.
Women’s rights
activist Nuha Muhreiz told
Jordan News: “The issue of restrictive quotas
is temporary; it will become a thing of the past once the stigma surrounding
the role
women play as effective decision makers and leaders ends. When we
specifically talk about Christian women, the truth is that I consider the
discrimination they face (in politics) to be much more serious.”
“One of the
hardest obstacles Christian women will face is to win against a man for the
Christian seat. There is an inherently negative view toward women’s position in
government. If we want to improve and reach greater gender and social equality,
then there should be a seat for Christian women in the female quota that is
separate,” Muhreiz added.
Political
activist Rania Haddadin told
Jordan News that there is another element
to the issues faced when it comes to Christian representation: “There is a flaw
in the geographical planning for voters. Bigger cities such as Amman,
Irbid and
Zarqa need more than one seat as they are more populated. This applies to the
women’s quota as well. There needs to be an increase in the women quota to be fully
represented in parliament.” Achieving that, she said, would “be progress”.
Secretary
General for the Jordanian National Commission for Women
Salma Nims said gaining
seats in Parliament is a difficulty that not only Christian women face, but
women in general.
“Personally, I do not
think that Christian women are at a disadvantage. I do not necessarily think
that a Christian woman has lower chances in the Christian quota; if she is an
activist who has an impact on her community and is well known, she might win. I
have an issue with the problems all women face, this is how we should see it.”
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