Jordan sets historic record for women in politics: legal reforms and leadership training drive change

“We want women to say, ‘This is my place’”, declares Yusra Al-Kharisha. “We want women to move into Parliament, into education and political leadership. We want them to say, “My place extends beyond the home.”

In the last five years, Jordan has enacted sweeping changes to boost women’s participation as voters, election workers and political candidates. In 2024, women won almost 20 per cent of parliamentary seats, up from under 14 per cent in the previous election.

To get a sense of the changes happening in the Arab state, UN Women spoke with Al-Kharisha, a recognized social activist and General Director of the Wayakom Foundation for Training and Political Development; and Jameeleh Kassab, an organizer with Jordan’s Independent Election Commission (IEC) and part of a UN Women-facilitated scholarship programme that prepares women for senior roles in the electoral process.

Full article here.