The Jordanian National Commission for Women, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), held a specialized dialogue session on the legislative framework for protection from domestic violence. This session is part of a series of discussions aimed at preparing the legislative agenda for women in Jordan, which includes three main areas: political participation, economic participation, and social empowerment. These areas align with the objectives of the National Strategy for Women 2020-2025 and its executive plan for 2023-2025.
The session was opened by Her Excellency Eng. Maha Ali, the Secretary-General of the Commission, and Dr. Himeir Abdel Moghni, UNFPA Representative, followed by interventions from Dr. Mohammad Mqaddadi, Head of the National Team for Family Protection from Violence and Secretary-General of the National Council for Family Affairs, Brigadier General Dr. Saed Al-Qatoneh, Director of the Family and Juvenile Protection Department, and Dr. Issa Al-Masroua, Secretary-General of the Higher Population Council. Additionally, Ms. Fidaa Al-Hmoud gave a presentation on the legislative framework for protection from domestic violence, including several proposals to enhance the implementation mechanisms of relevant laws.
The session was attended by members of the National Team for Protection from Domestic Violence, the legal advisory team of the Commission, civil society organizations working in this field, and journalists specialized in women's issues and women's studies centers.
The session included a discussion panel with the participation of Dr. Nahad Al-Qudat, Director of Family Reconciliation at the Ministry of Social Development, Judge Walaa Akkroush, Head of the Madaba First Instance Court, Ms. Hadeel Abdel Aziz, Director of Al-Adala Legal Aid Center, and Ms. Hanan Benat, Director of the Women's Shelter at the Jordanian Women's Union. They discussed the key challenges faced by victims of domestic violence, whether in legal procedures or access to services.
The participants addressed various aspects of legislation and some challenges in implementation, such as the need for a system to protect whistleblowers and witnesses, regulations for protection orders, mechanisms for accessing justice, the importance of providing legal aid for victims of violence, and challenges in reporting cases.