Princess Basma calls for stronger support for women in Jordan during study launch

AMMAN – HRH Princess Basma on Tuesday highlighted the important role of the local academic institute in empowering women and strengthening their role in society.

“Local academic institutions play an important role in providing the necessary education to women, which will empower them and provide them with the necessary skills to participate in the political, social and economic life,” Princess Basma said.

The Princess was speaking during the launch of a study on economic violence against women that was prepared by the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) at the University of Jordan (UJ).

The princess called on the students to reject all forms of violence to reach a “strong and cohesive society”.

The princess also addressed the dozens of female students who were attending the launching ceremony telling them: “I want you all to be strong throughout your lives. You were able to achieve the necessary grades that enabled you to enrol in this distinguished university and I urge you to continue on the same path throughout your life.”

The study, which was conducted by the JNCW in cooperation with the UJ’s Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS), aimed to identify economic violence against women in a comprehensive approach and its impact on the lives of women in Jordan.

The study also aimed to assess if there is a relationship between the phenomenon of economic violence and the social and educational status of women.

The study also aimed to touch on some forms of violence that women suffer from in Jordan.

Also addressing the gathering was UJ President Nathir Obeidat who stressed the importance of supporting women and providing them with their full rights.

Obeidat also pointed out that there is an urgent need to address the causes of violence against women, stressing the need to empower females with education, science, research and innovation.

Meanwhile, JNCW Secretary General Maha Ali said that the study is part of the commission’s goals to monitor all forms of discrimination against women in the economic field.

“The aim is to assess the forms of discrimination as well as integrate women’s issues, their economic participation and priorities into national strategies, policies, legislation, plans and budgets,” Ali told the gathering.

CSS Director Zaid Eyadat highlighted the importance of empowering women which works to strengthen their societies.

“History has witnessed all forms of violence against women in the world, which contributed to marginalising females in various sectors of life,” Eyadat said.

The study recommendations focused on reviewing the support mechanisms and developing social protection programmes to reach the most vulnerable women and to empower them economically, which will have a positive impact on the family.

The study also called for strengthening the role of relevant ministries and local administrative entities in providing the necessary social care services for the elderly and people with special needs.

Other recommendations focused on ensuring pay equity, providing quality education at schools, better health services and safe transportation.

The study also recommended including law articles related to women’s rights, Labour Law, Social Security Corporation Law and inheritance rights in the university and school curriculum.