The Masarat Jordanian Foundation for Development and Progress held a discussion session in the city of Salt on "Women's Participation in Political and Party Life, and Their Role in the Upcoming Parliamentary Elections."

This session, attended by a group of female leaders and party members from Salt, was part of the project "Training Academic Women in Party Work in Universities," implemented by Masarat in cooperation with the King Abdullah II Fund for Development.

The Chair of the Administrative Committee in the Senate, Senator Dr. Khaled Al-Bakar, discussed the state of political modernization in Jordan. He highlighted that His Majesty King Abdullah II has always been a pioneer in the comprehensive modernization process. Al-Bakar noted that the royal directives aimed to modernize the entire political system, with one of its main goals being to empower the two largest components of society—women and youth—to participate more broadly in political life, enter parliament, and assume leadership roles. However, women's participation in political work remains below expectations.

During the session, moderated by Masarat Executive Director Talal Ghneimat, Dr. Al-Bakar noted that political parties are now preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections. This will be the first election after the enactment of the new electoral and party laws. Many parties have presented electoral programs, and voters are encouraged to choose based on these programs and what serves the country's interests, away from other considerations.

Al-Bakar emphasized the importance of engaging in political work through parties with comprehensive programs that can effectively reach parliament. He pointed out that women hold leadership positions in the Taqaddom Party and that the party is also empowering young people by placing them in leadership roles.

Acting Mayor of Greater Salt Municipality Nidal Abu Rumman delivered a welcoming speech in which he affirmed the municipality’s openness to hosting such events. These gatherings shed light on the experiences of female leaders and party members in Salt, especially given the presence of women who have won competitive elections for municipal councils and the provincial council, receiving the highest number of votes. This reflects society's belief in women's ability to make decisions and contribute to the advancement of society in all its diversity.

Abu Rumman noted that such meetings act as motivation and support for women to advance and develop further. They also help challenge the stereotype that favors electing men over women. Women are not adversaries to men but partners. All they need is to prove themselves through their knowledge, education, experience, and ability to influence society with evidence and arguments to claim their rights.

The session concluded with an open discussion on "Women's Political Contribution, the Challenges They Face, and Their Role in the Upcoming Parliamentary Elections."