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AMMAN — On International Women’s Day, prominent Jordanian women in media are joining forces with global leaders for gender equality in media leadership.

As part of the WAN-IFRA Women in News (WIN) initiative, they have committed to tangible actions to close the gender gap in leadership roles, aligning with this year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, according to a WAN-IFRA statement shared with The Jordan Times.

Launched alongside the 2024 Women in Media Leadership Mapping Report, the initiative seeks to address enduring inequalities by dismantling barriers, fostering inclusive workplaces and driving meaningful change.

While progress has been made, women still occupy just 24 per cent of editorial and management leadership positions, a modest increase from 21 per cent in 2022.

Signatories of the pledge have committed to integrating mentorship programmes within their organisations, based on best practices, and challenging stereotypes and biases in media representation.

The pledge follows a historic summit in Malawi, where women leaders from Africa, the Arab region, and Southeast Asia committed to systemic change in newsrooms.

"Fifteen years ago, a network like WIN wouldn’t have been possible because there weren’t enough women in media leadership," said Executive Director of WAN-IFRA WIN Melanie Walker, adding "Now, we have the collective power to accelerate change."

With the active participation of Jordanian women media leaders, the pledge marks a critical step toward achieving equal opportunities, stronger representation, and lasting transformation in the media industry.

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation upheld an April 2022 Criminal Court ruling, sentencing a man to eight years in prison after convicting him of molesting two of his relatives in Zarqa Governorate in December 2021.

The court declared the defendant guilty of molesting two sisters aged 13 and 11, who were his in-laws, on two different occasions while at their family's home.

The court handed the defendant, who confessed to the sexual assault incidents, the maximum punishment.

Court papers said the defendant, who was married to the victim’s sisters decided to molest the two siblings when their family was out of the house.

“The defendant entered the room of the victims and molested each of them on two different occasions,” court papers said.

The victims informed their family about the incident and they filed a complaint against him,” according to the court transcripts.

The defendant contested his verdict at a higher court claiming that the state prosecutor committed some legal errors during the investigation process.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Court’s attorney general asked the higher court to uphold the sentence.

The higher court ruled that the Criminal Court proceedings were accurate and that the defendant was given the appropriate punishment.

"The investigations' proceedings were accurate and the defendant confessed willingly to the sexual assault incidents," the higher court ruled.

The Court of Cassation was headed by Judge Mohammad Ibrahim and included judges Nayef Samarat, Qassem Dughmi, Hammad Ghzawi and Mohammad Khashashneh.

AMMAN — A Jordanian and Western research team, led by scholar Rana Dajani, has confirmed in a study published in Scientific Reports that trauma-induced genetic effects can be passed down through generations.

Dajani told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that the research, conducted by a multidisciplinary team from different regions, highlights how violence and displacement leave genetic (epigenetic) imprints that persist across generations. 

The study, carried out in Jordan, provides strong evidence that trauma can lead to genetic modifications that influence human adaptation and resilience.

She explained that while genetic material remains unchanged throughout life, gene activation can be altered by life experiences, a process known as epigenetics. 

These changes may enhance adaptability to future environments. The study aimed to investigate whether such modifications could be inherited. While experiments in animals have confirmed this phenomenon, proving it in humans has been challenging.

The research followed three generations of immigrants, collecting samples from grandmothers, pregnant mothers, and their children who experienced conflict.

Dajani, a molecular biology and genetics professor at Hashemite University, collaborated with the professor of Anthropology and Genetics at the University of Florida, Connie Mulligan, and the professor of Medical Anthropology at Yale University, Catherine Panter-Brick, on this pioneering study. 

Syrian researcher Dima Hamadmad also contributed to sample collection andorganisation.

The study identified 14 DNA sites with genetic changes in grandchildren whose grandparents had experienced trauma, along with 21 sites related to direct exposure to violence. Of these, 32 genetic modifications exhibited a consistent pattern following exposure to violence. 

The findings suggest that specific genetic markers may serve as a biological record of trauma, potentially affecting future generations' physiological responses.

While most DNA changes are erased before birth, the study revealed that some environmentally influenced genetic modifications can bypass this process. This provides an evolutionary mechanism for adapting to environmental stressors, including psychosocial trauma.

Accelerated genetic aging was also observed in fetuses exposed to violence during pregnancy, emphasising the vulnerability of fetaldevelopment at critical stages.

These findings hold particular significance in light of the aftermath of the Israeli genocide on Gaza, where pregnant women face extreme violence and displacement, said Dajani.

"Trauma survivors are often viewed as victims in need of rescue, but our research presents a different perspective one centred on adaptation and resilience. Genetic changes caused by trauma equip future generations with biological tools to help them navigate difficult environments. I call this ‘my grandmother’s wisdom,’" Dajani stated.

She emphasised the need to shift the global discourse toward recognising displaced communities' strength and resilience, rather than focusing solely on victimhood.

The research team recommended the development of policies and programs that address genetic trauma, with a focus on healing and empowerment, particularly in communities experiencing ongoing displacement, such as Jordan.

AMMAN — The number of females in Jordan reached 5.521 million by the end of 2024, accounting for 47.1 per cent of the total population, compared to 52.9 per cent for males.

This means that for every 100 females, there are 113 males, according to a report by the Department of Statistics, Al Mamlaka reported.

The highest proportion of females falls within the 15–64 age group, representing 60.7 per cent of the total female population.

Girls under 15 years old make up 35.4 per cent, while those aged 65 and above constitute 3.9 per cent.

The report also indicates that females have a higher life expectancy than males, living on average 3.2 years longer. 

According to labour force surveys, the illiteracy rate among Jordanian women aged 15 and above dropped from 16.5 per cent in 2000 to 6.8 per cent in 2024, a 58 per cent decline.

The literacy rate among Jordanian women rose to 93.2 per cent in 2024.

The Ministry of Education’s statistical reports show an increase in net enrolment rates for female students in basic education, rising from 90.0 per cent in 2000 to 94.8 per cent in 2023, marking a 5 per cent increase.

Secondary school enrolment for female students also grew from 77 per cent to 83.1 per cent over the same period, an 8 per cent increase.

Data from the Ministry of Higher Education for 2023 indicate that female enrolment in bachelor’s and postgraduate programs exceeded that of males.

Women accounted for 54.7 per cent of bachelor’s degree enrolments, compared to 45.3 per cent for males, a 9 percentage point gap in favour of females.

Indicators of women’s economic empowerment have shown significant improvement between 2015 and 2023.

The percentage of women owning land rose from 15.8 per cent in 2015 to 19.2 per cent in 2023, an increase of about 22 per cent.

The percentage of women owning apartments increased from 23 per cent to 25.9 per cent, a 31 per cent rise.

The 2023 Population and Family Health Survey found that 82.8 per cent of currently married women aged 15–49 make joint financial decisions with their spouses, while 13.8 per cent decide independently.

The survey also noted that the percentage of previously married women in the same age group with a bank account or using mobile financial services increased from 19.6 per cent in 2017 to 23.0 per cent in 2023, an 18.4 per cent rise. 

Data from the Independent Election Commission indicate that female representation in Parliament increased from 6.4 per cent in 2008 to 19.6 per cent in 2024.

Of the 27 women elected, nine won seats through party lists, while 18 secured seats through the women's quota, half of whom are affiliated with political parties.

Female participation in political parties also rose from 27.8 per cent to 44.5 per cent, a 60 per cent increase.

The percentage of female judges grew from 6.2 per cent to 29.5 per cent over the same period. 

As of 2023, women comprised 24.1 per cent of ministerial positions, held 25.6 per cent of diplomatic roles, and accounted for 15.4 per cent of ambassadors.

AMMAN - The European Council said it has set out its position for negotiations with the European Parliament on a decision to provide up to €500 million in macro-financial assistance (MFA) to Jordan.

In a statement on its website, the Council said the EU assistance "will bolster Jordan’s economic stability and support its ongoing reform agenda in the face of mounting internal and external challenges. It will help the country meet its outstanding external financing needs while creating the fiscal space necessary to sustain reform efforts."

The Council also said that the assistance, provided in response to Jordan’s request for additional support in October 2023, will be available for two and a half years and will be provided in the form of long-term loans, disbursed in three instalments. 

"Since 2013, the EU has provided Jordan with €1.08 billion under three previous MFA programmes. The latest MFA-III programme (2020-2023) was initially set at €500 million and topped up by €200 million to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds supported key reforms in public finance management, social and labour policy, and governance," IT SAID. 

The presidency of the Council will start negotiations with the European Parliament as soon as the latter has defined its position, the statement said. 

On April 8, 2024, the Commission submitted the macro-financial assistance proposal to the Council.

The EU and Jordan have been linked by an Association Agreement since 2002. In 2022, they signed the Partnership Priorities, which aim to strengthen cooperation further and will guide the partnership until 2027. The EU's support to Jordan assists the country in mitigating the impact of the war in Syria and the resulting large number of refugees. Overall, the EU has already mobilised around €4 billion for Jordan since the beginning of this crisis in 2011, the statement said.

AMMAN — The unemployment rate dropped by 0.6 percentage points in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching 21.4 per cent, according to the annual unemployment report released by the Department of Statistics on Thursday.

The report indicated that the unemployment rate among males stood at 18.2 per cent in 2024, while the rate among females was significantly higher at 32.9 per cent.

Compared to 2023, the male unemployment rate saw a decrease of 1.4 percentage points, whereas the female unemployment rate increased by 2.2 percentage points.

Among university degree holders (individuals holding a bachelor's degree or higher), the unemployment rate reached 25.8 per cent, marking a 0.7 percentage point decrease from 2023.

The findings also showed that 59.2 per cent of the total unemployed individuals held a high school diploma or higher, while 40.2 per cent had educational qualifications below the high school level.

At the governorate level, the highest unemployment rates were recorded in Mafraq and Maan at 23.2 per cent, while the lowest rate was in Aqaba at 17.3 per cent.

According to the report, the employment-to-population ratio for individuals aged 16 and above stood at 27.5 per cent, while for those aged 23 and above, it was 32.3 per cent.

59.4 per cent of employed males were in the 20–39 age group, compared to 57.9 per cent of employed females.

The report also revealed that 47.3 per cent of employed individuals had educational qualifications below high school level, 9.4 per cent had a high school diploma, and 42.7 per cent had higher education qualifications. The proportion of wage earners among employed individuals was 84.9 per cent, with 82.5 per cent among males and 95.4 per cent among females.

The labour force as a percentage of the population aged 15 and above was 34.1 per cent in 2024, compared to 33.2 per cent in 2023, reflecting a 0.9 percentage point increase.

The male participation rate slightly rose from 53.2 per cent in 2023 to 53.4 per cent in 2024, while the female participation rate increased from 14 per cent in 2023 to 14.9 per cent in 2024. The report noted that women's economic participation rate in Arab countries averages around 19.2 per cent.

The findings highlighted significant differences in labour force distribution based on education level and gender.

Among males, 56.1 per cent of the workforce had education levels below high school, compared to 9.1 per cent among females. Meanwhile, 74 per cent of the female workforce held a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 27.1 per cent among males.

AMMAN – Jordan is experiencing intensified atmospheric instability on Thursday, with increasing cumulonimbus clouds bringing rainfall to various regions.

Showers are expected in the southern parts of the country, becoming more widespread in the afternoon, particularly in central and eastern areas. Some downpours may be heavy at times, accompanied by thunderstorms and hail, raising the risk of flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas. Strong easterly winds are also expected to stir up dust, especially in desert regions.

The Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD)has issued warnings about potential flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas, particularly in the southern regions, including Aqaba, as well as in central and eastern areas. The department also cautioned against thunderstorms, hail, and reduced visibility due to dust, particularly in desert regions.

On Friday, temperatures are forecast to decrease slightly while unstable weather conditions persist. The weather will remain cold and partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with rain showers expected across several parts of the country.

Some areas may experience heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and hail. Winds will shift from north-easterly to north-westerly, occasionally becoming active.

Saturday is expected to bring a slight rise in temperatures, with relatively cold and partly cloudy weather prevailing across most regions. Rain showers may continue until midday in the north-eastern Badia. Moderate north-westerly winds will be active at times in desert areas.

A further slight temperature increase is forecast for Sunday, with relatively cold weather persisting in most areas, while conditions will be milder in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba. Clouds will appear at various altitudes, and light rain showers may fall in parts of the north-eastern Badia during the evening. Winds will be moderate northwesterly.

Maximum and minimum temperatures expected today are as follows: East Amman (16 C / 8 C), West Amman (14 C / 6 C), Northern Highlands (12 C / 5 C), Sharah Highlands (13 C / 4 C), Desert Areas (17 C / 9 C), Plains (16 C / 8 C), Northern Jordan Valley (22 C / 10 C), Southern Jordan Valley (24 C / 15 C), Dead Sea (23 C / 13 C), and Gulf of Aqaba (23 C / 13 C).