jordan pulse -

The world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8 each year, reminding us that societies can only thrive when their women thrive, and true progress is only possible when women receive their full rights and equal opportunities for creativity, achievement, and contribution.

On this occasion, the United Nations issued a statement under the theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.” The theme calls for decisive action to unleash equality, provide opportunities for all, and build a strong feminist future. At its core, it emphasizes empowering the next generation—particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.

In Jordan, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements, successes, and sacrifices of Jordanian women, who have long been a symbol of strength, determination, and resilience. For decades, they have fought for full equality in rights and duties, seeking greater empowerment across all fields.

Fortunately, recent years have witnessed significant and transformative progress in women’s rights in Jordan, thanks to legislative reforms and progressive policies. These efforts have strengthened women’s presence in political, economic, and social life, allowing them to play a vital role in the country's development and contribute to building a brighter future for upcoming generations.

Institutional national policies have played a crucial role in advancing women’s rights, rooted in Jordan’s heritage and culture. Women’s empowerment has not been a mere slogan but a strategic vision, backed by continuous support from King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. The King has repeatedly emphasized women’s central role in society, calling them "the backbone of our community." Queen Rania has also highlighted that empowering women is the key to empowering society as a whole, describing women as "the safeguard of the community."

Among the major achievements for Jordanian women are enhanced legal rights, increased representation in Parliament, municipal councils, and governorate councils, and appointments to high-ranking positions in politics, economics, academia, and education. There has also been notable growth in women’s participation in both the public and private sectors.

Additionally, Jordanian women have excelled in entrepreneurship, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. This has helped them achieve financial independence, demonstrating that women can successfully lead entrepreneurial projects, which has resulted in an increase in women-led businesses.

Despite these achievements, challenges remain, such as social barriers, gender-based violence, and limited opportunities in certain sectors. However, with the unwavering determination of Jordanian women and the royal commitment to women’s advancement, the path toward full equality is more achievable than ever.

We remain confident in the essential role of Jordanian women in building a strong, just, and progressive society, where human dignity is upheld without discrimination. May God guide us in our efforts to serve our country and advance its prosperity.

Dr. Munira Jaradat