Jordan: Jordan launched the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign on Monday with a focus on ending violence against women and girls in peace and wartime, according to a statement. The global initiative, which runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, International Human Rights Day, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
According to Jordan News Agency, in a recorded speech, the Chairperson of the Jordanian National Commission for Women Princess Basma bint Talal, who sponsored the launch, discussed the persistence of violence against women worldwide, noting that one in three women, approximately 763 million, have experienced some form of violence. She highlighted the “dire” situation of women in Gaza, where displacement, loss, and deprivation exacerbate their suffering.
Princess Basma urged coordinated global efforts to eliminate gender-based violence, aligning with t
he Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. She stressed the importance of comprehensive government and societal strategies to ensure justice and support for survivors, alongside robust efforts to end domestic violence in Jordan, where 19,000 cases of physical and psychological abuse were recorded last year.
Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa underscored Jordan’s efforts in combating violence against women over the past three decades. She said the government is committed to prevention and protection measures through legislation, policies, and interventions, calling for more efforts to protect women and children in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon.
Maha Ali, Secretary-General of the Jordanian National Commission for Women, noted Jordanian women’s progress in education, employment, and public participation. She pointed to ongoing challenges, urging further steps to safeguard women’s rights, empower them, and increase their participation in all sectors.
The campaign, organized with
partners including UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund, and USAID’s Tawazon Project, features a range of activities addressing digital, economic, political, and domestic violence. Special attention is given to the impact of armed conflicts on women, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as Jordan’s humanitarian support for affected populations.
Sherry Reitsema-Anderson, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jordan, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to collaborating with the Jordanian government and civil society to prevent gender-based violence and support survivors. Nicolas Burniat, UN Women Country Representative in Jordan, presented a paper on the progress made since the Beijing Declaration.
The event included exhibitions showcasing national efforts in prevention and protection and the launch of the “Learn More About Prevention and Protection from Violence” platform. Upcoming activities will address digital violence, electoral violence, economic challenges, and psychological impacts, aiming to
foster resilience and amplify support for women in conflict and beyond.