Abu dhabi: A delegation from the national assembly, led by Senator Suhair Ali, took part in the second session of the Women Parliamentary Forum of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, hosted in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
According to Jordan News Agency, Ali chaired the forum's first session, titled "Enhancing Women's Empowerment in the Economic and Political Spheres," where she highlighted the necessity of full and equal participation of women in political, economic, and social arenas across the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions. Despite some progress in certain countries, she noted the persistent underrepresentation of women in parliaments and decision-making roles globally. Women make up only 27 percent of parliamentarians worldwide, with gender parity in legislative bodies not anticipated before 2063, as per UN Women data.
Ali emphasized the importance of bolstering women's political involvement, security, and economic autonomy while combating gender-based discrimination and violence in economic and social contexts. She pointed out that one in ten women globally still lives in extreme poverty, with over 340 million women and girls expected to remain in such conditions by 2030, according to UN Women.
Ali urged member states of the Assembly to commit to advancing gender equality through regional cooperation and multilateral dialogue, calling for intensified efforts in this regard.
Member of the Lower House of Parliament, Hala Jarrah, stated that women's issues and empowerment receive royal attention and support, with directives emphasizing the need for significant progress in women's political, economic, and social empowerment. She highlighted that women's empowerment is a fundamental aspect of Jordan's reform and development process, driving social justice and optimal human resource utilization.
Jarrah also mentioned that Jordan has prioritized interconnected sectors such as education, health, and environmental sustainability to support women's empowerment and enhance their role in national development.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Jordanian delegation met with Speaker of the United Arab Emirates Federal National Council Saqr Ghobash to discuss bilateral relations and strengthen parliamentary cooperation. The delegation also conducted bilateral meetings with participating delegations.