Amman hosts symposium on women’s economic protection in Arab countries

AMMAN — The Arab Women Organisation, in cooperation with the Jordanian National Commission for Women, inaugurated a regional symposium in Amman on Tuesday under the theme "Protecting Women from Economic Violence in Arab Countries: Decent Work Mechanisms."

The event coincides with the global "16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women" campaign and is supported by the German Agency for International Cooperation, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The two-day symposium brings together legal experts, economists, social researchers, representatives from international and regional organisations, and women's rights activists to address the challenges Arab women face due to economic violence and to explore avenues for their economic empowerment.

Minister of Social Development and Head of the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment Wafa Bani Mustafa underscored the government’s commitment to advancing women's economic participation, as directed by His Majesty King Abdullah.

She emphasised that removing barriers to women’s involvement in the labour market is vital for enhancing their contribution to the national economy.

The minister also highlighted recent legislative amendments aimed at empowering women, including flexible and remote work policies, extended maternity leave, and ensuring women's inheritance rights for retirement pensions.

She also reviewed efforts by the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment, including studies on women’s economic roles across Jordan’s governorates, which identified promising sectors for female employment. 

Secretary-General of the Jordanian National Commission for Women's Affairs Maha Ali stressed the significance of the symposium in fostering regional cooperation to combat economic violence. 

She noted that the National Strategy for Women (2020–2025) prioritises women's economic empowerment through initiatives aimed at improving work environments and promoting entrepreneurship.

Director-General of the Arab Women's Organisation Fadia Kiwanreiterated the importance of regional efforts to address violence against women. 

She also called for legislative reforms and enhanced protective measures to ensure women’s safety and economic participation.

Head of German Development Cooperation at the German Embassy Kordula Mehlhart underscored the economic ramifications of violence against women, emphasising the need for international cooperation to achieve gender equality and eliminate such violence.