Irbid: The "Let's Participate, Let's Join a Party" initiative, in partnership with Yarmouk University and the Irbid Development Corporation, organized a conference titled "Jordanian Women: A Fundamental Pillar of the Comprehensive National Modernization Project." MP Ahmad Safadi, who patronized the event, emphasized that supporting and empowering Jordanian women is a central focus of His Majesty King Abdullah II. Since the beginning of his reign, women have been allocated quota seats in parliament since 2003. This was followed by steps enabling women to assume key leadership positions in the Jordanian state, where they demonstrated competence in all posts they held.
According to Jordan News Agency, Safadi noted that Jordanian women have shown a high ability to manage public affairs, thanks to royal support. With the launch of the state's second centennial, His Majesty initiated a national project to modernize the political, economic, and administrative tracks, aiming to expand popular participation in decision-making and achieve comprehensive development goals.
Vice President of Yarmouk University Ruba Bataineh stated that the conference serves as a dialogue platform to rethink the role of Jordanian women as a national force for change. She emphasized transforming the outputs of political modernization into actual practices within political parties, elected councils, and decision-making positions, thereby entrenching a balanced and fair model of political participation in Jordan.
Former Minister of Public Works Mohammad Obaidat highlighted that the aware citizen is a partner to the state, which has achieved a balance between security and democracy. He referred to the legislative frameworks produced by the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System, particularly the constitutional amendments, Election Law, and Political Parties Law, as essential for a prosperous future and a framework for women's participation in public life.
MP Abdul Nasser Khasawneh underscored the importance of building on national efforts to advance the status of women through cooperation among civil society institutions. He noted Jordan's significant milestones toward a future of achievements for Jordanian women.
Former senator Amena Zoubi acknowledged the important role Jordanian women have played in the modernization process, especially in political parties. Over the years, Jordan has seen gradual progress in women's rights, with advances in women's participation in political life and engagement in political parties.
Director of the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies at Yarmouk University, Batoul Al Muhaisen, remarked on the historical leadership capacity of Jordanian women. She identified the challenge of transitioning from symbolic representation to genuine influence on policies and decisions.
Initiative head Saif Al-Islam Bani Mustafa concluded that the political track is foundational to the comprehensive modernization vision. It provides a natural entry point for expanding popular participation and strengthening representation in public life through effective political parties that compete based on programs and ideas.