Finding the way

Bravo on your editorial “Towards a more gender-equal world” (The Jordan Times, September 1, 2016).

I draw particular attention to the last few sentences: “For now, laws that affect the lives of half of the country’s population need careful scrutiny and fair amendment. The shortcomings are known. They have to be dealt with.”

Since I have lived in Jordan for over 50 years with my Jordanian husband, I have learned much about the country’s history.

The tribal system is what allowed Jordanians to survive invasions, occupation, droughts, threats from other tribes and the encroachment of the modern world on their way of life and traditions.

I stand with some envy and considerable admiration for the richness of family solidarity that this tribal culture preserves.

However, one of the shortcomings inherent in these traditions is demonstrated by gender inequalities within Jordanian law and practices.

The fact that this issue is being addressed is a great credit to Jordan because it shows that the country is trying to find its own way on how best to balance its traditions while achieving the expectations required of it in today’s world.

Ann Sawalha,
Amman