The workshop aimed to explore key laws such as the Constitution, Elections Law, and Political Parties Law, and their role in Jordan’s political landscape, encourage youth, civil society activists, and labor unions to engage in political processes and advocate for involvement, and address the challenges women face in political participation while identifying strategies for increasing their involvement in future elections.
#ShababNow #StrongWomen
Legislation Regulating Political Life
The workshop discussed several significant legislative changes, including:
- House of Representatives Elections Law (2022), which marks a historic milestone for women by significantly enhancing their political participation, particularly in parliamentary roles.
- Political Parties Law (2022), which encourages youth participation by mandating that at least 20% of a party's founders must be young men and women aged 18-35.
- Regulation No. 68 (2022), which regulates student political activities in universities, fostering early political engagement among youth.
The workshop emphasized the importance of integrating women into political life to enhance democratic processes, civic engagement, and overall societal development. It highlighted that women’s perspectives are crucial in shaping inclusive and effective policies.
The final session involved group work focused on how to enhance youth participation in political life. The group suggested providing education and training on political engagement, establishing youth councils and parliaments within political parties, using digital platforms to make politics more accessible to youth, and offering financial support for youth-led political initiatives.
Working groups also identified several reasons why individuals may not engage in political parties, including unemployment, lack of financial resources, cultural attitudes, and distrust in political institutions.
Participants, including activists and community leaders, shared valuable perspectives on enhancing political participation. They stressed the need to increase women's participation for better job market opportunities, pointed out the impact of election advertising on candidate selection, advocated for a higher representation of women in parliament and supported the active participation of young women in politics.
Key Recommendations:
Organizing specialized workshops to raise awareness about political engagement and the benefits of party membership, encouraging families and women to join political parties and increasing overall participation.
Targeting marginalized women who face social or personal barriers that prevent them from actively participating in political life.
Conducting recurring lectures focused on educating women about their rights and empowering them to take an active role in politics.
Expanding job opportunities for women to support their greater involvement in society, ultimately encouraging their participation in political processes.
Increasing the involvement of young people in training programs that allow them to share their political experiences with women, helping to break social barriers and address women’s concerns about political participation.
Establishing digital platforms where women can express their views, exchange ideas, and share success stories of women who have reached leadership and decision-making positions.
Providing leadership training programs to equip women with the necessary skills to take on influential roles within political parties.
Collaborating with associations to research and disseminate information about various political parties and their programs, educating the public on the benefits of party membership and encouraging greater participation.