Jordan took 'major' steps toward women's empowerment - minister

AMMAN — Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa on Sunday said the Kingdom achieved great strides in developing an appropriate environment to support the role of women and empower them in all areas of life.

The minister, who was deputising for Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, was speaking at the seventh edition of the "Women On the Front Lines (WOFL) – Middle East and North Africa Region – Jordan" conference.

“The conference that carries many indications, including that the presence of women in decision-making positions and at the forefront of development and progress, places us before two matters: recognising the effective role of women in assuming leadership, and the necessity of providing the appropriate environment to make their role more effective,” the minister told the gathering.

Bani Mustafa also stressed that Jordan is one of the first countries to fulfil its international obligations to ensure that human rights are respected on its territory under the guidance and leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah.

“Jordan ratified many treaties related to female’s rights, which has enhanced the Kingdom’s efforts in the field of women’s participation in decision-making positions,” the minister added. 

The event, which was held at the Fairmont Hotel was organised by the May Chidiac Foundation (MCF) in Amman.

The conference aims to support and empower women to achieve lasting accomplishments that benefit society in all its aspects.

Also speaking during the event was former minister of state for administrative reforms in Lebanon and President and Founder of the MCF Foundation May Chidiac who commended Jordan's efforts in promoting women's roles and empowering them in various fields.

Chidiac also expressed her gratitude to King Abdullah for his “continued support of initiatives that elevate the status of women and help develop their potential, as well as to Her Majesty Queen Rania, who has been at the forefront of supporting the WOFL Jordan conference since its first edition in 2016”.

Turning to women who are facing the toughest challenges of war, Chidiac said that “women are not only an integral part of society but also the heartbeat that sustains it and the driving force that transforms it”.

“Women are accomplished, self-assured, and inspire global pride, embodying a mirror of society itself. Yet, despite all their vitality, women’s rights remain a contentious issue and a fundamental cause, sparking discussions to affirm their rightful entitlement,” Chidiac stressed.

Chidiac also pointed out that the conference will focus on initiatives that underscore the critical importance of communities’ efforts to secure women’s rights, stressing that when we pursue the right path, regardless of how long the journey may be, justice will ultimately prevail, and destinies will be reshaped.

Meanwhile, Executive Board Member of the MCF Foundation and Chairwoman of the conference  Maha Shair said the goal of the conference is to ensure that the voices of all women are heard and their authentic selves are recognized.

“A woman’s voice is her strength, and when women unite, they possess the power to ignite change that reverberates far beyond walls,” Shair told the gathering.

She also emphasised the crucial role of Jordanian women in achieving gender equality, highlighting their proven ability to make significant contributions to development, promote education and culture, and achieve notable successes across various fields.