Linking and Learning Conference towards achieving Gender Equality” was launched, hosted by Dutch NGO Hivos in collaboration with the Arab Network for Civic Education (ANHRE) in Jordan and in cooperation with the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Ministry

On Tuesday, the “Linking and Learning Conference towards achieving Gender Equality” was launched, hosted by Dutch NGO Hivos in collaboration with the Arab Network for Civic Education (ANHRE) in Jordan and in cooperation with the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Ministry.

The Conference aims at consolidating the efforts of the civil society in order to ensure a full and effective participation of women, as well as an equal access to leadership positions on all decision-making levels in the political, economic and social life in order to achieve the sustainable development goal 5.
Participants will discuss the most relevant tools and best practices related to systemic change and institutionalizing gender equality in policies, programs and systems. In addition, the role of civil society organizations will be highlighted as well as their experiences, practices and work strategies. 

In her opening speech, Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal stressed that similar obstacles directly impact the participation of women in different sectors in many countries around the world and hinder their ability to reach leadership positions - in particular when it comes to political, economic and social empowerment. HRH also said that despite the achievements around the world related to the empowerment of women and gender equity, results show that SDG 5 related to gender equality has not been achieved yet. In addition, HRH mentioned a number of examples and experiences of women who were able to reach advanced leadership positions in a number of countries. She also assured that gender equity will not be achieved without the participation of youth.

In parallel, Dutch Ambassador Barbara Joziasse stressed on the importance of gender equality, in particular in economic participation. She also invited all partners to adhere to the vision that aims at empowering women. Furthermore, she highlighted the efforts of the Dutch government in supporting different programs and initiatives in Jordan, particularly in economic empowerment.

Samar Jubran, Hivos Representative in Jordan, said that the Conference is held for the third time as part of the Women Empowered for Leadership program (WE4L), under the Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women (FLOW) program.  She added that WE4L works since 2016 with local civil society organizations on improving the political participation of women and their reaching leadership positions in the Middle East and Southern Africa.

Dr Khalil Abdullat, Director of the Human Rights Units at the Prime Ministry, stressed that the Government fulfils its obligations to promote human rights in Jordan. He also presented the universal periodic review mechanism for human rights, which promoted partnership between national institutions, civil society institutions and non-governmental organizations and the Government. He added that the participation of the Unit in the Conference reflects the seriousness of its work towards the institutionalization of the partnership with all Jordanian sectors. He also revealed that the recommendations mentioned in its third report were accepted by the Government and serve the national interest in promoting and improving the human rights situation in Jordan. Dr Abdullat underlined as well that recommendations related to the situation of women receive a lot of governmental attention, which includes a special focus on the comprehensive national human rights plan for the protection and promotion of women's rights. He also emphasized the role women play in peace and security, and the governmental efforts to implement the executive plan of Security Council Resolution 1325 in order to support women and their participation in all aspects of life.

The opening session also featured the WE4L Regional Project Manager, Marcel van der Heijden, the representative of Southern Africa partners Samukeliso Khumalo, and the Executive Director of the Arab Network for Civic Education (ANHRE) Fotouh Younes.

Participants and activists representing regional and international organizations and bodies working on gender equality and empowerment, in addition to Hivos partners in Southern Africa and the Middle East, will discuss issues related to the current situation of gender equality such as gaps and challenges that stand in the way of change.

Ends