Arab Women’s Parliamentary Empowerment Document Launched in Amman

AMMAN: The Inter-Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment has introduced a new Arab women's parliamentary document designed to bolster the influence and involvement of female parliamentarians across the region. The document aims to enhance their role in legislative activities and elevate their participation in political processes. According to Jordan News Agency, the introduction of the document occurred during a conference under the auspices of Wafa Bani Mustafa, Minister of Social Development and the Chairperson of the Committee. The event attracted distinguished attendees, including Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Asoomi, UN Women Resident Representative Nicolas Burniat, and several Arab ministers and officials. During her address, Bani Mustafa stressed the pressing issues facing women and children in Gaza, while also acknowledging King Abdullah II's humanitarian efforts in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Bani Mustafa emphasized the necessity of women's involvement in political, economic, and social spheres, indicating that their participation in decision-making positions is crucial for addressing the concerns of women, children, and broader communities. She also pointed to the region's low ranking in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index, where the Middle East and North Africa scored only 11.7% in political empowerment for 2024, signaling a need for immediate legislative and political reforms. Further, she highlighted the committee's initiatives, including constitutional amendments and contributions from the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System. Among these efforts was the creation of the Women's Political Participation School, which successfully trained 336 participants in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute. Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Asoomi commended Jordan for its leadership in women's empowerment. He reiterated the Arab Parliament's commitment to advancing women's rights across the Arab world. Asoomi also announced the launch of the first specialized a pplied diploma for Arab female parliamentarians, aimed at equipping them with modern skills necessary for effective parliamentary work, which is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the capabilities of Arab women in all sectors.