Amman: HRH Princess Basma bint Talal, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), on Sunday patronized a national meeting aimed at integrating the priorities of women working in agriculture into national policies and the National Strategy for Women in Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting, organized by the JNCW under the theme "Women in Agriculture: From Beneficiaries to Partners," examined the priorities of women working in the agricultural sector within the broader national dialogue on policy and rural development, focusing on strengthening their participation in decisions affecting their lives and livelihoods.
At the event, Princess Basma emphasized the importance of addressing the situation of women in agriculture as a crucial issue for Jordan's development. She noted that women in the sector are partners in production, entitled to opportunities and participation in decision-making, and play a significant role in the future of rural communities.
Princess Basma highlighted the alignment of the meeting with the United Nations' designation of 2026 as the "International Year of the Woman Farmer," calling for the inclusion of women's realities in agriculture within national policies. She discussed challenges facing women agricultural workers, such as transportation difficulties, limited social protection, and restricted access to agricultural services, advocating for a more integrated institutional response.
She further pointed out that Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision prioritizes agricultural productivity and women's economic participation, stressing the need to advance both by strengthening the role of women in agriculture and treating them as partners in decision-making.
Princess Basma also underscored the role of the JNCW as a national mechanism that unites public institutions, civil society, the private sector, and development partners, linking national policies to the realities of women's lives.
Acting JNCW Secretary-General Dima Jweihan remarked on the strong connection between women's role in agriculture and economic empowerment, food security, and equitable access to resources. She called for recognition of women's contributions to agriculture and ensuring their participation in decision-making.
Jweihan noted that the meeting provided a platform for dialogue, allowing women in agriculture to share their experiences and be recognized as partners in production and development priority-setting.
Irish Ambassador to Jordan Nicole McHugh highlighted the significant share of women in the global agricultural workforce and their role in agri-food value chains, while pointing out the barriers they face in accessing land, finance, and decision-making processes.
The meeting included working sessions with women employed in agriculture and representatives of relevant institutions, covering topics like agricultural guidance, technology, entrepreneurship, and financing. Participants agreed on specific recommendations to be included in the National Strategy for Women in Jordan and to be followed up with relevant authorities.
The discussions also initiated a broader dialogue intended to connect women's agricultural priorities with policymaking and enhance coordination among national stakeholders supporting their participation in local development.
Additionally, the meeting emphasized the JNCW's role in convening stakeholders, coordinating national efforts, and incorporating women's priorities into policy and planning processes to update the National Strategy for Women, particularly regarding economic and social empowerment.