Senate committee, UK’s WFD discuss support for women, youth political participation

AMMAN — A joint Senate committee on Wednesday met with representatives of Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), a UK-based organisation that has worked to support democracies since its inception in 1992.

The committee, chaired by Head of the Labour Committee Senator Issa Murad, said the meeting covered prospects for cooperation and efforts to launch joint projects, in addition to the empowerment of Jordan's women and youth, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Murad referred to His Majesty King Abdullah's vision to modernise the Kingdom's political, economic and administrative systems.

He also noted that the Senate, represented by its permanent committees, is keen to implement the Royal vision to empower women and youth by developing comprehensive programmes aimed at encouraging their political participation.

For her part, Head of WFD Middle East and North Africa Region, Airlie Taylor, said that the foundation aims to support parliamentary work and the development of political parties, democratic institutions and civil society institutions.

She noted that the WFD visit to the Senate aims to boost cooperation and coordination over domestic issues of common concern.

Increasing women and youth’s political and workforce participation is a "top" priority for WFD in Jordan, Taylor said, adding that the foundation is keen to increase its activity in the area to support democratic society in the Middle East.

The Kingdom is a stable country that supports efforts to increase political engagement among women and the youth, she added.