Al-Maaytah Sponsors the Launch of the "Training Female Academics on Party Work" Project

Amman, May 23 (Petra) – Chairman of the Independent Election Commission, Musa Al-Maaytah, launched the "Training Female Academics on Party Work" project, organized by Masarat Foundation for Development and Progress with support from the King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD).

Speaking at the event, Al-Maaytah emphasized the importance of supporting civil society organizations in activities that enhance the political modernization framework. He highlighted the critical role of female academics in transferring the knowledge gained during party work training to their students.

Al-Maaytah explained that achieving a parliamentary government requires a shift from individual efforts to organized collective work. He stressed that the success of collective work and political parties does not depend on individual capacities but on structured collaboration within parliament, which is the only path to an effective parliamentary government.

Statements from Officials

Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, Haditha Jamal Al-Khraisha, remarked that the launch of this project coincides with Jordan’s 78th Independence Day celebrations. He emphasized that Jordan has consistently upheld democratic values since the era of King Abdullah I through to the reign of King Abdullah II, who believes in the vital role of Jordanian citizens in all areas of development.

Al-Khraisha stated that, despite regional challenges, Jordan remains a state of institutions and law, with constitutional entitlements proceeding as scheduled. Parliamentary elections, for instance, will take place this year under new laws that strengthen political pluralism and provide greater opportunities for women and youth.

He noted that King Abdullah II’s initiative to form the Royal Committee for Modernizing the Political System aimed to enhance democracy and political participation based on pluralism and party systems, leading to a programmatic parliament aligned with Jordanians' aspirations.

Al-Khraisha highlighted that the new political party law mandates that at least 20% of a party’s general membership be women, supporting their leadership and participation. Additionally, the election law ensures significantly higher representation for women in parliament compared to previous sessions, paving the way for women’s active and sustainable involvement in decision-making processes.

The Minister also pointed out that the government has implemented activities with university students and faculty, including integrating political modernization concepts into curricula. These efforts aim to instill democratic values and civic responsibilities among students.

Remarks by KAFD and Masarat Foundation

Director of KAFD, Mazen Tblett, expressed pride in launching the "Tamkeen" initiative to support political projects. This initiative aligns with the King’s silver jubilee and the broader political modernization process. He noted that the project provides financial support for ideas and initiatives and collaborates with public and private sectors, as well as civil society institutions.

Tblett explained that the project’s second phase focuses on developing women in party politics. In its first phase, it trained 75 academics and 90 university students on party work and related programs.

Chairwoman of Masarat Foundation, Reem Abu Hassan, expressed hope that the project would contribute to a positive political transformation, creating an advanced political landscape and enhanced democratic institutions. She emphasized that the project aligns with the national reform agenda led by King Abdullah II, which prioritizes the inclusion of women in politics.

Abu Hassan highlighted that the project equips women with advanced skills in leadership, strategic negotiation, and public policy development. This enables them not only to participate in politics but also to lead and reshape political discourse effectively.

Post-Launch Panel Discussion

Following the opening ceremony, a panel discussion featured:

• Dr. Anis Mansour, a member of the Higher Education Council, representing the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, who spoke on the role of education in promoting political participation.
• Dr. Ali Al-Khawaldeh, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, who addressed overcoming challenges in women’s political participation.
• Dr. Amal Al-Awadah, Director of the Women’s Studies Center at the University of Jordan, who emphasized the importance of women in party politics.
• Dr. Batoul Al-Muheisen, Director of Princess Basma Center for Women’s Studies at Yarmouk University, who discussed the role of academic institutions in fostering political participation.
• Dr. Aida Abu Tayeh from Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, who spoke about the role of female academics in shaping political discourse.