Jordan University News – Zakaria Al-Ghoul
The Euro-Mediterranean Women’s Initiative, in collaboration with the University of Jordan and the Ministry of Social Development, organized a discussion session on the campaign "You Are Not Alone - Help is Near You", which is part of the national campaign "No Silence, No Tolerance".
The national campaign "You Are Not Alone - Help is Near You" aims to improve access to comprehensive services related to gender-based violence in Jordan, as well as to strengthen national dialogue on the need to raise awareness and change public attitudes towards violence against women and girls.
Minister of Social Development, Dr. Wafa' Bani Mustafa, stated that Jordan has sent a clear message to the world by enacting constitutional amendments that include women's rights and their protection from all forms of violence and discrimination. A new article was added to the Constitution ensuring the state’s commitment to empowering women and protecting them from all forms of violence and discrimination. New legislation has also been introduced in labor law, social security, companies, and other areas to increase women's economic participation. Additionally, laws protecting against domestic violence and human trafficking have been enacted, along with a gender-based violence protection guide.
Dr. Bani Mustafa added that Jordan has achieved significant milestones, reflecting the political will of the state to encourage women's political participation and protect their rights. This is an open path for all of us to ensure that legislation is just and equitable, addressing women’s issues comprehensively as part of human rights.
In her speech, Dr. Bani Mustafa also highlighted the role of the Ministry in the National Strategy to address cases of domestic violence, positioning it as a key partner in the Family and Juvenile Protection Department. This involves combating violence against women and girls through preventive measures, enhancing awareness-raising activities for reporting violence, and shifting societal views on violence against women by refusing to tolerate abusers. Furthermore, she emphasized improving the quality of services provided by social service offices and shelters offering comprehensive protection and care.
Dr. Nadhir Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan, stated that violence against women contradicts the values of love and beauty. He noted how painful it is when human beings go against nature and logic, and stressed that the academic community has a major responsibility towards addressing the phenomenon of violence against women. It is essential to study and analyze this issue in depth, understand its consequences, and link it to related areas in the pursuit of the desired change.
Dr. Obeidat raised several questions, hoping to open new avenues for researchers, students, and experts alike, asking: Where do we stand in our beloved country regarding this phenomenon? What paths should we take to end violence in our communities? What are the causes and underlying factors of this phenomenon? Do we have the tools to address it and work on solutions?
Dr. Amal Al-Awwad, Director of the Women’s Studies Center at the University of Jordan, provided an overview of the center’s role in addressing issues related to women, offering a research and educational environment that fosters the development of skills and abilities necessary for conducting studies on women’s issues. The center also actively participates in equipping the academic and civil communities with human and technical expertise that contribute to building a social, economic, and legal system based on justice and gender equality.
Angela Martini, Head of the Political Section at the European Union Delegation to Jordan, confirmed that the EU Delegation is committed to working with local partners to confront the phenomenon of violence against women. Martini emphasized the importance of raising awareness within society and empowering women with the tools they need to face the threat of violence, which is more effective than simply teaching them how to seek help.
Meanwhile, Estíbaliz López, Chargée d'Affaires at the Spanish Embassy in Jordan, expressed pride in Spain’s feminist foreign policy, noting that the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) has supported the campaign as part of its vision to empower women worldwide. She also thanked the European Union for its support.
Hadeel Abu Hayyana, Director of the Project to Improve Access to Comprehensive Gender-Based Violence Services, explained that the campaign content aims to link various forms of violence against women and girls to the specialized services available in Jordan. Victims can seek assistance through these services, and the campaign will engage local communities to spread awareness and information about these services, improving access to them.
The campaign is organized by the Euro-Mediterranean Women’s Initiative (EFI) in collaboration with the Justice Center for Legal Aid (JCLA), SOS Children's Villages in Jordan, the Institute for Family Health (IFH), and the National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA). It is part of the Improving Access to Comprehensive Services for Gender-Based Violence in Jordan project, funded by the European Union (EU), and implemented by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).