Panel discussion focuses on action plan for women’s empowerment

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of State for Public Sector Modernisation Nasser Shraideh on Saturday highlighted the achievements and efforts made in empowering women within the Economic Modernisation  Vision.

His remarks were made during a panel discussion titled "Future Steps in the Action Plan", organised by the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment in collaboration with the Euro-Mediterranean Feminist Initiative, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The panel featured the attendance of several ministers, including the Minister of Government Communications and Government Spokesperson, Faisal Al Shboul, Minister of Social Development and Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment Wafa Bani Mustafa, Minister of State for Legal Affairs Nancy Namrouqa, and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Touqan.

Shraideh highlighted the translation of the modernisation vision into tangible outcomes in political, economic and administrative aspects, as envisioned by His Majesty King Abdullah to create a better future for Jordan.

He emphasised the need to build upon recently approved legislative amendments to accelerate the Women Empowerment Strategy's implementation. Shraideh further stressed the importance of political development, citizen participation in decision-making, and enhancing the role of parties in forming future governments based on clear programmes.

Regarding economic challenges, Shraideh  acknowledged the need to stimulate economic activity in various sectors to double growth rates and create one million job opportunities over 10 years. 

He emphasised the importance of administrative reform, calling for the development of the public sector's structure, mechanisms, and management approach. He also stressed the significance of digital transformation, aiming to provide all government services digitally by 2025.

Bani Mustafa said that the strategy aims to increase women's economic participation to 28 per cent by 2033, create over 280,000 job opportunities for women in the next decade, and improve Jordan's global ranking on gender equality. 

The strategy includes initiatives such as legal protection, legislative amendments, establishing nurseries and promoting women's participation in different sectors, she added.

EU Ambassador to Jordan Maria Hadjitheodosiou expressed support for the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment's efforts to enhance women's participation in various spheres. The meeting aimed to facilitate comprehensive discussions and idea exchange among stakeholders from diverse sectors at national and local levels, she said, emphasising collaboration and accelerating strategy implementation.