Women’s Rights and Advocacy

Women’s equal rights are enshrined in the constitution and Jordan has signed and ratified the major conventions of the rights of women.The government actively pursues gender equity in many areas, including the passing of relevant legislation and has committed to mainstreaming gender. However, a significant gap still exists between the stated legal and policy framework and the reality of daily life as experienced by poor women.

ZENID has always encouraged the non-economic role that women play at household and community levels. Women’s reproductive and community roles provide the glue that holds the family together. The women’s committees provide the Community Development Centres of JOHUD with energy, resources and commitment.

The various programmes provided a channel for women to develop leadership skills and to work to the benefit of other women in the community. In many cases, rural women leaders have taken on formal roles – as mayors, elected municipal representatives, and heads of CBOs. They act effectively as local change agents.