2005

• Princess Basma urges holistic approach in dealing with girls' health issues
• Jordan to host 32nd World Conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
• Kingdom's commitment to Beijing plan discussed
• Princess Basma highlights Kingdom's success in gender mainstreaming
• Meeting addresses social attitudes to HIV/AIDS
• Winners of Queen Alia Social Work Competition honoured
• In-Teach Leadership Forum for Educators concludes
• King inaugurates population forum
• Bedouin culture receives international acclaim

 

2004

Queen Rania inaugurates Kingdom's first Intel Computer Clubhouse

 

Launch of Jordan's Second National Human Development Report 2004

AMMAN , 27 June 2004 — Under the patronage of H.R.H. Princess Basma bint Talal, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation launched the second National Human Development Report. To an audience of over 300 development professionals from government, civil society, the private sector and the international community, HRH Princess Basma bint Talal paid tribute to the contribution and commitment of all those present to Jordan 's development process and to addressing the challenges of poverty alleviation.

The National Human Development Report , the second for Jordan , provides an update on human development since 1997, with up-to-date data on all key indicators disaggregated to governorate level. The 150+ page report notes that Jordan continues to make good progress towards human development goals: the human development index for Jordan has increased from 0.715 to 0.747 (on a scale of 0-1). The performance in terms of health and education targets are particularly strong. The report attributes weak economic performance to the context of regional insecurity over the last few years. Jordan ranks ninth out of nineteen Arab countries for its human development status. As the report notes: “ Jordan can be proud of this achievement”.

Data for human development at the governorate level reveals that progress is being made across the country, but at different paces. Amman continues to rank first, and Ma'an in twelfth position. However, the lower-ranked governorates are catching up, possibly as a result of targeted investment. Tafile, ranked tenth for human development witnessed the highest growth in GDP index between 1997 and 2002. Ajloun, ranked fifth for its HDI and tenth for adult literacy, now has the highest educational enrolment rate for the whole country. The report notes that governorates with below-average progress are a cause for concern and that further investigation is required in order to take remedial action.

The report takes as its theme: Building Sustainable Livelihoods, and advocates for a focus on the poor so that the gains from development can be more evenly distributed. The report includes the findings of a process of consultation involving over 800 poor people in seven communities across Jordan to investigate the nature, scale and scope of poverty through the eyes of the poor themselves. Their voices, views and stories are included throughout the report and inform the analysis. The report also draws on the knowledge and experience of more than forty development-related organisations which were involved in the production of the report. Each chapter includes detailed recommendations for targeted interventions tailored to meet the needs of the poor.

Launching the report, H.E. Dr. Bassem Awadallah, the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, reiterated the commitment of the Government of Jordan to address poverty as a priority issue. He noted the importance of the roles of all partners from government, civil society and the private sector to work together towards common goals. He also thanked the international community for their continuing support to development and the reform process in Jordan .

Ms Christine McNab, speaking on behalf of UNDP noted that the Jordan report brings a national-level focus to the global discussion on how to generate an inclusive, consultative development process. The results of this report feeds back into the global knowledge bank on the problems, challenges and possible solutions for development.

In her key-note address , HRH Princess Basma bint Talal noted the need to create the space in which the poor can voice their concerns. She urged government and civil society to learn to become excellent listeners and to respond positively to meet the needs of the poor. She commended His Majesty King Abdullah's role in promoting a truly democratic society in Jordan and urged civil society to engage actively to ensure that all citizens have a voice and are able to influence decisions that affect their lives. As she noted: “ the key to poverty alleviation lies in mobilising poor communities and helping them to act collectively and responsibly ”.

In their speeches, all three speakers thanked the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) , the implementing agency responsible for the production of the report. They commended the quality of their work and their commitment to include the views of a wide range of stakeholders in the process, so that the report can truly be said to be “nationally owned”.

The main findings of the report were presented by Ms Eman Nimri, NHDR National Co-ordinator, and Director of ZENID. Ms Farah Daghistani, Executive Director of JOHUD, outlined the key messages of the report and urged all stakeholders to respond with action in support of the poor.

After the formal presentations, under title “ We can make a difference ” Ms Rana al-Hajaya spoke about local development from her perspective as mayor of al-Hassa municipality in Tafileh Governorate. Areej Bsaiso, from Sweileh Community Centre spoke about the role of volunteers working in local communities. Nour Dissi from Princess Basma Youth Resource Centre spoke about the important role that young people can play in development processes.

A series of “post-launch” activities are planned in order to disseminate the report more widely and to stimulated discussion among interested parties. It is anticipated that key stakeholders will respond with a “Strategy for Action” to indicate mechanism through which a pro-poor focus for polices and programmes can be enhanced.

The Fourteenth Session of the Council of the University of Peace (UPEACE)

Geneva (JT) – Her Royal Highness Princess Basma, member of the Council of the United Nations University of Peace (UPEACE) attended the fourteenth session of the Council of the University of Peace in Geneva. Members of the Council were introduced for the first time by Mr. Maurice Strong, President of UPEACE, after which the Council assessed and discussed the development and implementation of the University's programmes and special projects, as well as strategies for the development of the University. The CoAuncil defined innovative programmes focusing on key issues, including conflict-prevention, human security, human rights, environmental security and post-conflict rehabilitation. Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations is the Honorary President of UPEACE. As part of the continuing process of United Nations reform, Secretary-General Annan has taken a number of measures since early 1999 to reorganize, strengthen and internationalize more fully the University for Peace so as to enable it to contribAute more effectively to the peace and security objectives of the United Nations. UPEACE was established pursuant to the United Nations General Assembly resolution that mandated it to serve the peace and security goals of the United Nations through education, training and research. The university is now in the process of extending its programmes throughout the world, in partnership with other universities and institutions with its principal focus in developing countries.

4th June 2004

'Follow the women - they are here for peace'

By Rami Abdelrahman AMMAN - Around 220 women from 26 countries across the globe are in Amman, after cycling all the way from Lebanon and Syria, to promote peace in the region, and "raise awareness of how the current situation within the Middle East affects the lives of women and children, and to raise support for a move towards peace and greater understanding." They are hard at work, at a two-day conference in the capital, formulating a "cause for action" - a series of project partnerships between Middle Eastern and mostly European countries - in which women will take a leading role in combating violence against women and plan peace-oriented youth projects. HRH Princess Basma addressing participants at the "Follow the women" conference, welcomed their efforts saying that she felt "extremely proud" to be associated with them. "The path that these women have made forms part of the longer journey towards peace that we must all travel. And clearly, as events in this region demonstrate, the road to peace is long and arduous. It will take continued determination and political will to stick to the road to peace in spite of the obstacles encountered on the way," said the Princess. "The ride is typical of the innovative spirit of many of the initiatives that have taken place through the Euro-Med partnerships... which brought together young people from the region to forge new relationships, just as it is now bringing together groups of women to form new friendships," adding that "(for women) the sky is the limit." For many such as Sahar Fayez, one of the key organizers said that the preparations which took at least one year to implement was initially thought of as a "crazy idea." She added that the participants should initiate the next step, and said she hoped similar rides and conferences would be held here annually. Founder of the Swedish-based "Follow the women" group, Detta Regan, said no matter how "bumpy" the road to peace could be, the will and determination of women prove that they can overcome any obstacles. Abeer Ammareen, a 24-year-old Jordanian participant, called on the people of the world to "follow the women, they are here for peace." Twenty-one-year-old Husnieh Barahmeh, from the occupied Palestinian city of Jericho said: "I dream of peace, and I dream that next time we will be able to ride in a free Palestine." She told The Jordan Times that Palestinian women were suffering the most during the current conditions in the territories. Iraqi participant Hala Mowafaq agreed. "We are the most affected by the unstable security situation in Iraq, which limits our freedom as women... I am here to prove that Iraqi women want peace and want to ride the next time from a free Iraq to a free Palestine," she told the Jordan Times, adding that the Kingdom is like her second home. A 27-year-old Portuguese participant, who majored in Middle Eastern Studies in university, said dialogue strengthens women in fighting for what they believe in. "Unfortunately many Europeans have misconceptions on women who wear the veil. For example, they do not know that they wear it because they choose to do so," said Sonia Figueiredo. Swedish Mimoza Mehmeti, a 19-year-old participant, concurred, saying Arab women are viewed in Europe as uneducated and poor. "But now that I am here, and have dealt with Arab women, I know for a fact that Arab women are as educated and smart as any others." Nevruz Tol, a Turkish journalist, told The Jordan Times that the ride and conference presented a message to the world that women have the will to develop their countries and improve their living conditions. "The next step should be something concrete, the world must not forget about the peoples of the Middle East and their rights to live in peace," she said. "Follow the women" week long bicycle ride started off in Beirut last Monday, passing through the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatilla, the Palestinian refugee camps of Bushra Sham in Syria, and Damascus, on the way to Amman. Participants said they felt welcomed wherever they went, especially in Jordan where they were greeted by crowds cheering them all the way from the border with Syria to Amman.

24 th April 2004

Renewal is a concept associated with progress - Princess Basma 13th Conference of Private Schools Council opens

AMMAN (JT) - HRH Princess Basma said that Jordan has gone a long way in creating an effective partnership between the private and the public sectors in the education field. Addressing the opening ceremony of the 13th Conference of the Private Schools Council, the Princess said: "The integration and coordination we witness nowadays between the public sector represented by the Ministry of Education and the private sector ... will contribute considerably to efforts aimed at achieving the goal of modernisation of the educational process." The Princess cited university education in Jordan as a success story in the field, where the private sector is playing a major part in higher education. She pointed out that His Majesty King Abdullah's vision for education development urges such coordination among all sectors. Renewal is a concept associated with progress and development; she told more than 86 teachers and educational experts from Arab and foreign countries, including Britain and Australia. Pointing to the challenges faced by education development strategies, the Princess said that the education process deals with humans at the very stage of life during which their personalities take shape. She added that our times are characterised by confusion in vision and contradictions in opinion to the degree that unquestionable facts have become debatable in a context of continuous change. Entitled, "To Renew .. How," the two-day conference, held at the Ahliyyah School for Girls, aimed to provide a forum for teachers and educational leaders to exchange experiences and expertise on how to further develop the educational process in the Kingdom. The event involves lectures and workshops. Palestinian Education Minister Naim Abul Hommos is expected to deliver a lecture today on the educational situation in Palestine. Princess Basma, who is the Honorary President of the "Private Schools Cultural and Educational Council," presented plaques to the visitors at the forum. Within the overall development of the country, Jordan has placed much emphasis on educational development, encompassing all practical aspects of the educational process and its horizons. This development focuses, amongst other things, on curricula, textbooks, teacher training and updating of methodology. The council was established in 1994 and has today members from over 38 private schools.

22 nd April 2004

Princess Basma underlines importance of women's participation in local community development

SHOBAK (Petra) - HRH Princess Basma took part in a seminar on the role of women in political development held by the Jordanian National Forum for Women (JNFW) in cooperation with Al Hussein Ben Talal University and the Shobak Sport Club. Panelists discussed three working papers on the concept of women's participation in political development in the Constitution, from three perspectives: Political development plans, Lower House of Parliament and legislation. The seminar aimed to involve women from the rural, urban and badia areas in the process, according to the JNFW Secretary General and Senator Mai Abu Samen. Earlier, Princess Basma inaugurated the "Joint Rural Market" organised by the Shobak Centre for Human Development as part of a plan to market products made by women benefiting from support extended by the Jordan Hashemite Fund for Human Development to encourage individual productive projects all over the Kingdom. Addressing the opening ceremony, Princess Basma stressed the importance of women's participation in developing their local communities. She added that the Hashemite leadership has met all the requirements of women's empowerment, including opening door for women to assume senior posts, in addition to efforts the country has exerted to unleash Jordanian women's potential and creativity in all fields. At the end of the event, Princess Basma presented plaques and certificates to the women who participated in computer courses offered by the Shobak centre.

20 th April 2004

Princess Basma stresses importance of YWCA role

AMMAN (JT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Basma, in her capacity as honorary President of YWCA–Jordan, met with Monica Zetzsche, president of the World Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and the accompanying delegation at the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD). During the meeting, the Princess thanked the World YWCA for providing its members the opportunity to learn more about the country, the status of Jordanian women, and the positive interfaith context in which Jordanians live. "Jordan has achieved all of this through guaranteeing its population a safe and secure life and working for regional peace despite its economic hardships and the tense political climate of the region," Princess Basma told the delegation. Her Royal Highness also stressed the YWCA's important role of trying to promote greater dialogue and understanding between Islam and the West, adding: "Women play vital roles in rebuilding social networks and communities, reviving economies, and shifting the prevailing logic of war to a culture of peace." On behalf of the World YWCA, Zetzsche thanked the Princess for her participation in the YWCA's International Women's Summit that took place in Brisbane last year. Members of the association discussed their latest activities and programmes which include peace in the Middle East, as well as the establishment of a fund targeting the "Leadership Development of Women" worldwide. Zetzsche also expressed her appreciation for Princess Basma's support for the YWCA and her efforts in promoting women's rights and full participation in public life. The World YWCA delegation's visit to Jordan comes as part of their tour to witness the Kingdom's latest developments, specifically on issues regarding women. Established in 1855, the World YWCA consists of over 25 million women members from over 110 countries. The organisation has been at the forefront of empowering women and girls and lead social, political, economic, and civil change.

19 th April 2004

Congress deliberates on democratic governance

AMMAN (JT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Basma attended a three-day "Congress of Democrats from the Islamic World," in Istanbul. This gathering is the first of its kind involving political leaders from predominately Muslim countries, current and former heads of state, government ministers and parliamentarians, with the goal of encouraging democratic development in the Islamic world. Delegates to the congress from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East discussed their direct experience with democratic governance and their countries' common commitment to multiparty elections, independent legislatures, women's political participation and an active civil society. Amidst discussions, a platform calling attention to the fundamentals of democratic governance was developed in accordance with Islamic tenets and democratic principles. At the Plenary Panel on "Islamic Culture and Democratic Tradition," Princess Basma emphasised that religion in general should not be used as defining criteria in studying or assessing entire societies. " Like all religions, Islam is a rich and noble value system that expresses our belief in the divine and provides meaning, comfort and hope to the lives of ordinary people. Yet also like all religions, it can be mobilised for political ends, and as such it can be a force for liberty or for tyranny." Referring to the aim of the panel discussion to initiate a clear declaration that democracy and Islam are indeed compatible, Princess Basma said: "It is firstly important to recognise the convergence among the core values in democratic Western societies and Middle Eastern-Islamic societies that honour the ideals of justice, opportunity, human dignity and the rule of law." Her Royal Highness commended Turkey as an impressive example of how democratic governance develops steadily and convincingly in an Islamic culture when it is given the opportunity to do so. "Turkey's progress has not always been smooth or steady, yet the democratisation process has persisted since independence. Today Turkey is a model of a satisfying balance between the Turkish people's Islamic identity and their democratic values." In talking about Jordan's democratic experience, the Princess pointed out that recognition was growing that focusing on the "supply" side of governance, through governmental and political reform is not enough. "Civil society has an invaluable role to play in stimulating the demand side of governance, by strengthening a dynamic and vocal citizenship. A citizenship that is aware of its rights and responsibilities can claim its entitlements and act as a partner to government in the development process. Such a robust relationship between people and government is a crucial part of the democratic process, but it is very much in line with the dynamics that govern relationships between people and leaders in the Islamic umma, where rights as well as responsibilities are both critical, for people as well as their rulers." In her concluding remarks Princess Basma said that in order to promote justice and democracy in our world today, "we must be aware of the limitations of our current definitions and terms of reference, as characterised largely by a dominant western discourse. In a world where we must coexist, it is imperative that we aim to seek other discourses and frameworks to guide us. The responsibility of reform lies in all our hands, and often, in our own backyards. Promoting democratic values requires the ability to listen, to reconsider and to tolerate. A value-based world order which recognises difference is not only possible, but desperately needed in our world." The conference was organised by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) in cooperation with UNDP and the Turkish Democracy Foundation. Countries participating in the conference include Bangladesh, Indonesia, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, Yemen and Turkey. Amongst the Jordanian delegation attending were Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher, Arab League Commissioner for Civil Society and former Prime Minister Taher Masri, and secretary general of the Jordanian National Commission for Women Amal Sabagh. The NDI is a nonprofit organisation working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. The institute works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organisations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government

14 th April 2004

'Single Mothers Programme' launched

8 th April 2004

Princess Basma, diplomats' wives visit Mabarrat Um El Hussein

AMMAN (Petra) - HRH Princess Basma visited the Mabarrat Um El Hussein Orphanage accompanied by 50 members of the diplomatic corps in Jordan. Princess Basma expressed her deepest gratitude and appreciation to the diplomatic missions for their continuous support throughout the years to benefit the children of the Mabarrat. She said, 'thanks to the diplomatic missions' support the orphanage has been able to raise funds to finance its activities and offer the children a decent living environment. The Princess accompanied the guests on an inspection tour of the orphanage, including the dormitories, computer hall, dining rooms, sports auditorium and classrooms. Later, at meeting, the Princess discussed plans for the annual bazaar - to be held in October this year - and distributed token gifts to the diplomats' wives in recognition of their continued support for the orphanage. Princess Basma had earlier met with the orphanage board and was briefed by its secretary Madiha Abu Hassan on its annual plan and measures taken to assist the children by providing part of their higher education tuition fees. Princess Basma became patron of Mabarrat Um El Hussein in 1994, continuing Her Majesty the late Queen Zein Al Sharaf's legacy. Established in 1951, the Mabarrat provides full care, education, and vocational training to 150 children between the ages of 6-18 years. Children who have lost one or both parents, or come from broken homes or poor families are eligible for care. The orphanage relies on the generous donations and assistance of philanthropists in the Kingdom. The diplomatic corps holds an annual fundraising bazaar, which contributes substantially to the Mabarrat's aim of providing a secure and healthy environment that fosters self-reliance and self-esteem for the children.

6 th April 2004

Princess Basma highlights women's role in development process

IRBID (Petra) - HRH Princess Basma paid a visit to the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) in Idoon, where she attended community service activities organised by the fund. The Princess highlighted the role of women in the Kingdom's development process, stressing that Jordanian women are fully aware of their responsibilities and able to fulfill them. She toured a number of projects and facilities run by JOHUD in the area, including a medical centre where she was acquainted with the free medical services the centre provides to the local community in cooperation with the Jordan University of Science and Technology. The Princess checked on an exhibition where products made by local women were on display, including food items and handicrafts. Princess Basma also visited a factory producing sweets, Turkish delight in particular, which JOHUD started with the aim of creating job opportunities in the area. JOHUD director in Idoon, Nathmia Azzam, made a presentation on the centre's activities, programmes and future plans. At the end of her visit, Princess Basma presented honorary shields to public and private institutions for supporting JOHUD in the district.

30 th March 2004

Princess Basma meets with women academics, professionals

AMMAN (JT) - HRH Princess Basma, chairperson of the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), received a number of local women academics and professionals as part of a series of meetings to discuss the Jordanian National Strategy for Women. The meetings aim at designing a strategy to cater and adapt to the changes and developments in Jordan. In remarks at the meeting, Princess Basma underlined the importance of academic and professional women's participation in the dialogue, which, she said, will put the finishing touches to the strategy, reflecting women's thinking and views. At the outset of the meeting, JNCW Secretary General Amal Sabbagh reviewed the commission's activities and programmes as well as steps taken to modernise the country's women-related legislation. Ibtisam Attiyat, from the JNCW secretariat, presented a briefing on the different articles of the new draft strategy focusing mainly on women's participation in public life, involving women in decision making and means of promoting women's skills and the level of their awareness in social life. Meanwhile, Sabbagh voiced the JNCW's appreciation of Prime Minister Faisal Fayez's consent to chair a national women's conference on political development due to be held in May. She said the prime minister's acceptance to act as patron of the conference opens the door for Jordanian women to play a basic role in the country's political development and will place women face to face with their responsibilities and pave the ground for their participation in serving the nation and their own communities. According to Sabbagh, all social and political organisations and groups as well as representatives of civil society institutions will take part in preparations for the upcoming conference and the working papers that will be submitted for discussion. The commission is in the process of creating a committee to take part in the preparatory meetings for the May conference.

22 nd March 2004

Women's organisations discuss updated draft national strategy for women

AMMAN (JT) - HRH Princess Basma pointed to Jordan and the region's economic difficulties as the primary issue in the draft national strategy for women. Taking part in a women's meeting in the village of Dheeban near Madaba to discuss the updated draft on the occasion of the International Women's Day, Princess Basma described the strategy as "an action plan to set the present priorities of Jordanian women within the framework of national priorities that emerged in recent years." The meeting was organised by the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), which the Princess chairs, in cooperation with the General Federation of Jordanian Women (GFJW), the Jordanian Women's Union and the Jordanian National Forum for Women (JNFW). Princess Basma stressed that Jordan's women have their say in the strategy, adding that the Kingdom's interest in women preceded the current world focus on women's issues especially in the Arab and Muslim worlds. She said the Kingdom's initiatives throughout the past decades "were based on reality and facts on the ground and were consistent with our religious values, culture and real needs." "This is exactly the basis on which we are working to upgrade the national strategy for women," she told the participants. In their addresses at the meeting, GFJW President Anas Saket, JWU's Amnah Zu'bi and Secretary General of JNFW Senator May Abu Samen, said women's activities in Jordan are carried out under the guidelines of the national strategy. They explained that the strategy was drafted by the women themselves. The women leaders hailed the plan as flexible, realistic and civilised in its mechanisms, methodology and aims. On behalf of the JNFW general secretariat, Ibtisam Atiyat reviewed the phases the national women's strategy has witnessed and the workshops held to upgrade the nation-wide plan throughout the Kingdom. Outlining the content of the strategy, Atiyat said it consists of five major axes: Legislation, human security, social protection, economic empowerment and participation in public life, the media and communication. More than 3,000 women representing the Madaba Governorate took part in the discussion of the strategy's five components. Under the leadership of Princess Basma, and through a national consensus-building process, JNCW formulated the national strategy for women in 1993. In 1999, the Princess launched a campaign to update the plan to line with current developments.

9 th March 2004

UNIFEM report launched

By Dalya Dajani AMMAN - As the global community works to afford women greater emancipation and protection, Jordan acknowledged its own challenges to push forward gender equity in the face of prevailing social and cultural constraints. Commemorating International Women's Day here, UN agencies, women's advocacy groups and UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador HRH Princess Basma took stock of the findings of a new national study that painted a clearer picture of the struggles facing local woman. UNIFEM's report on the "Status of Jordanian Women: Demography, Economic Participation, Political Participation and Violence," showed that while many strides were made to enhance women's rights through improved legislation and greater advocacy, progress will continue to be hampered by gender inequities. According to the report, compiled jointly with the Department of Statistics and the Jordanian National Council for Women, a woman's potential to contribute to her own well-being and that of her community continue to be bogged down by social and cultural factors. For one, while women's economic activity nearly doubled from 3.3 per cent to 7.7 per cent between 1979 and 2002, their economic participation continues to lag behind that of males. Moreover, around 54 per cent of these female job seekers spent seven or more months searching for work compared with 43.7 per cent of males in 2001. The average monthly income for men in the public and private sector is higher than that for women JD238 and JD211 respectively, according to the 2001 employment survey. Princess Basma yesterday highlighted women's increasing participation in the labour force as a promising sign towards economic empowerment. "Unemployment is a challenge facing both men and women in Jordan, the rate among women, however is worrying and I believe it is important to try to explore the reasons behind this... Whether this is due to lack of qualifications required by the labour market, or to discriminatory hiring procedures by employers, this needs to be looked into," she added. The Princess also suggested that researchers examine why most women are largely centred in the sectors of education (41 per cent) and health (18 per cent), instead of venturing into other fields. But while education and economic empowerment are important tools for a country's progress, so is respect for women's rights to take charge of their lives, according to UNDP Resident Representative Christine McNab. Abuse of women's rights touching upon women rights, McNab yesterday pointed out the importance of women's education not only as a "political asset" for a country's development, but one that makes women more aware of their rights. "A lot of strides have been taken over the past decade to improve the status of women around the world, some higher than we'd ever aspired to. But there is often a darker side to this," said McNab. Citing 2003 Amnesty International statistics, the UNDP official noted abuse as a prevailing plague in the lives of women around the world. "The report finds that two out of three women will experience abuse at the hands of an angry or controlling person at least once in their lifetime," said McNab, The UNIFEM report painted a grim reality in the plight of Jordanian women who fall victim to abuse. According to the report, physical abuse figured as the highest form of abuse at 42 per cent in 2002. Educated women were however less susceptible to acts of violence, with this segment constituting only 1 per cent of physical abuse victims. Interestingly, while physical aggression decreased from 20 per cent in 1998 to 10 per cent in 2002, the percentage of sexual aggression increased from 61 per cent to about 88 per cent in 2000. Social violence, whereby a woman's freedom is limited - by forbidding her to leave the house, forcing her to marry a man or forbidding her to express her opinion - comprises one third of the total amount of these cases. Perhaps this can be attributed to prevailing attitudes. Data found that 45 per cent of parents continue to regard sons as being more important than daughters. Moreover, 37 per cent of the Kingdom's youth aged between 10-24 years agree with that attitude. Princess Basma commended the concerted efforts to create what she described as a "valuable addition to Jordanian literature on women," and expressed hope it would serve policy-makers with "food for thought." She did, however, urge researchers and academics to examine the input more closely in order to address these prevailing issues effectively. UNIFEM officials also hoped the study would help guide policy-makers in their implementation of the national Millennium Development Goals. Jordan, with some 180 countries, committed itself to these objectives set forth by the UNDP last year to reduce poverty, enhance social equity and employment. During yesterday's ceremony, UNDP paid a special tribute to Minister of State and Government Spokesperson Asma Khader who has dedicated her energies towards protection of women's rights and poverty reduction over the past 25 years. Khader was awarded the UNDP Poverty Eradication Award in October 2003.

4 th March 2004

Princess Basma attends regional conference in Turkey

AMMAN (JT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Basma headed a delegation of women's representatives to participate in a three-day regional conference in Turkey, a statement from her office said. Organised by the World Academy for Local Government and Democracy (WALD), and initiated by the International Union for Local Authorities (IULA), the conference gathered elected women and activists from the Middle East, to exchange experiences and views on how to encourage women of the region to come out of their undeserved isolation. Considerable knowledge and recommendations was shared for a deeper insight into the worldwide problems of women as a whole. In a keynote address entitled: "Women and Politics: Experiences, Achievements and Challenges," Princess Basma emphasised the importance of local level actors such as women's committees and forums, in engaging proactively to ensure that women have a greater voice in the emerging governance structures. "Local government can provide a ''nursery'' for local level activists to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to convince local community voters that they are capable of acting effectively and of representing their interests. Where (women) engage actively in promoting better services locally, there is more likelihood that they will operate in the interests of the broader electorate if they do get elected." Princess Basma added that given the obstacles facing women activists in many countries of the region, mainstreaming gender throughout all the institutions of governance can in fact increase women's desire to engage in democracy as well as their proper representation. Discussing the dynamics evolving out of the powerful changes of globalisation, Her Royal Highness noted that although women's rights have meticulously been spelt out in international conventions and conference declarations, the reality of women's rights remain different on the ground. "Gender inequalities continue to play major structural and cultural roles in our societies and it is at the local level that the gender implications of all the economic, social and cultural changes inherent to globalisation could be examined and addressed. By increasing women's participation at the local level, "diffusion" to higher levels of planning and decision making is possible, offering a more evolutionary and acceptable way for women's participation at national decision making levels", she said. In her concluding remarks on the globalisation/localisation debate, Princess Basma expressed her belief that localisation has the inherent power to make the most impact on women's rights and initiatives to achieve them. "The local level is the optimal venue for analysing existing frameworks by women themselves and for having women plan for policies that affect them directly. The growing power of local authorities in this age of globalisation, could ultimately be one of the major solutions to overcome obstacles that still face women's political participation and the advancement of women in general." WALD was founded as an international think tank dedicated to advancing the principles of human rights and democracy at the level of local government. The academy was first introduced to the public at a meeting held in Istanbul in 1992, attended by mayors and local government officials from all over the world.

25 th February 2004

2003

Chinese parliamentarian meets with King, Princess Basma and officials