JONAP meeting reviews progress in advancing women empowerment

AMMAN — The Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Women’s Empowerment, Minister of Parliamentary and Political Affairs Musa Maaytah has convened the annual board meeting on the implementation of Jordan’s National Action Plan (JONAP) on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

This meeting brought together members of the 1325 National Coalition, including security agencies and civil society organisations, as well as representatives of the pooled fund mechanisms for the JONAP implementation supported by the governments of Canada, Finland, Norway, Spain and the UK, to discuss progresses achieved since the adoption of the JONAP by the government in 2017, according to a JONAP statement.

In his welcoming remarks, Maaytah stressed the role of the Inter-Ministerial Committee in providing political and strategic support to achieve the goals of the JONAP on UNSCR 1325 Women, Security and Peace, in partnership with the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) and in coordination with official institutions, all under the joint efforts made in formulating a communication strategy on 1325, “which confirms the commitment of the Jordanian government”.

He highlighted that Jordan has “succeeded” in addressing the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He praised the important role and significant efforts of women during the pandemic, in terms of increased responsibilities and their presence at the frontline of the response working in the military, security, medical and other sectors, according to the statement.

The minister called for additional efforts to achieve equal representation of women in all areas of peace and security.

The minister said that under the guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah, the government has increased efforts to empower women economically, politically and socially and Jordan has made “significant progress in comparison to other societies.” 

Ambassador of Canada to Jordan Donica Pottie, on behalf of donor consortium, said: “Jordan’s commitment to Women, Peace and Security agenda is admirable, and we hope it will continue beyond 2021.” 

“For Canada’s own experience, whole-of-government action was the single most important factor of success for implementing 1325 NAPs [National Action Plans]. The IMC provides a horizontally and vertically integrated structure that can help streamline the Government of Jordan’s efforts in advancing women empowerment and gender-sensitive planning, for Women Peace and Security agenda and beyond.”

The JNCW and UN Women are providing coordination and technical assistance to the government in the JONAP implementation.

JNCW Secretary General Salma Nims presented key achievements under the JONAP in 2019, emphasising the importance of political will and government’s support to implement the plan, in addition to the strategic partnership with UN Women, and the contribution of the joint pooled fund through which the plan is implemented. 

Brigadier General Mutasem Abu Shatal, Planning Director, Public Security Directorate said that the Public Security Directorate “is committed” to the implementation of the JONAP. 

Efforts were focused on building the capabilities of women officers in the PSD in all fields and increasing their participation in peacekeeping operations, he added.

Brigadier General, Basam Al Faleh, planning and organisation director of Jordanian Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), said: The JAF’s senior leadership has a firm belief in implementing the identified strategic goals of Jordan’s National Action Plan through cooperation not only with relevant Jordanian governmental entities but also UN-Women, NATO and fellow partner countries which are all critical factors for succeeding in empowering women and achieve gender equality.”

The meeting concluded with the endorsement of the JONAP Annual Work Plan 2020. 

“Jordan’s exemplary leadership on the women, peace and security agenda is recognised globally. Through the JONAP and the strong partnerships with the international community, 2020 and beyond promises more opportunities to demonstrate women’s key roles in ensuring continued peace and security and an inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 crisis,” said Ziad Sheikh, UN Women Jordan, in his closing remarks.