Jordanians want tougher laws to elimintate violence against women

AMMAN — Over 50 per cent of Jordanians have called for tougher laws to combat violence against women, according to a study conducted by Ipsos. Around 43 per cent believe that men play a crucial role in advancing gender equality, the study indicated.

The findings were listed in a recent study by Ipsos, titled “Spotlight Jordan: Views on Gender Equality”. The study sheds light on the perceptions and realities of gender equality in Jordan, said Hala Far, the managing director at Ipsos in Jordan & Iraq.

The study, which surveyed 500 Jordanians representative of the population, reveals a complex landscape with both progress and persistent challenges, she told The Jordan Times.

One of the key findings is that 41 per cent of the surveyed said women struggle in balancing family responsibilities with their aspirations, according to a press statement. This is further compounded by issues such as gender pay disparity and cultural norms that limit women’s freedom of expression and lifestyle choices, the statement added.

Despite these challenges, the study revealed a gradual shift in perspectives on gender roles with 68 per cent of the surveyed stating that women’s roles extend beyond the domestic sphere. 

Meanwhile, 66 per cent still believe that men should be the primary financial providers, there is a growing recognition, according to the study. This evolving mindset, particularly among younger generations, suggests a potential for more progressive views on gender equality to take root, according to Far.

Furthermore, only 29 per cent of respondents believe that men and women are treated equally in Jordan, while 30 per cent think achieving gender equality should be a top priority, according to the study.

“This indicates a need for greater awareness and education on the importance of gender equality and its potential to benefit society as a whole,” according to Far. She stressed that there is a need to recognise that gender equality is a shared responsibility between individuals, organisations and governmental bodies.

“At Ipsos, we do our bit by empowering women [52 per cent of our employees are females], promoting women in leadership positions, and providing the necessary flexibility for our employees to support them and their work-life balance,” she added.  

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is the third largest market research company in the world, which is present in 90 markets and employs more than 18,000 people, according to their press statement.  

The research professionals, analysts and scientists at Ipsos have built unique multispecialist capabilities that provide powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees, the statement added.