Amman, Aug. 26 (Petra) – Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdel Moneim Odat on Tuesday said that empowering women is a national duty and a cornerstone of the modernization vision for building a strong and democratic Jordan based on participation, the rule of law, and accountability.

Sponsoring a specialized training program titled "Practical Applications on Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Skills within the Lower House of Parliament," organized by the Karak Castle Center for Consulting and Training in cooperation with the Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs and the Jordanian Women Parliamentarians Forum, Odat noted that the 20th Lower House of Parliament, with 27 women members, is the most representative of women since the establishment of the state.

He said the presence of women in parliament demonstrates their role as effective partners in shaping public policies and decision-making, which aligns with the objectives of the political modernization project launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II at the beginning of the state’s second centenary. He added that specialized training strengthens the ability of female parliamentarians to perform their legislative and oversight duties efficiently, including drafting legislation, reviewing budgets, and applying parliamentary oversight tools such as questions and interpellations.

Odat underscored the importance of women parliamentarians’ engagement in training that enhances their understanding of parliamentary mechanisms, including the formation of committees and blocs, while also improving legislative quality to ensure alignment with political party platforms.

Assistant Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament Huda Naffa stressed that precision in legislative drafting is essential for building a just society, enhancing laws, and boosting public trust in the legislative process. She highlighted that effective laws require constitutional and legal compliance, as well as broad societal and parliamentary consensus.

Director of the Karak Castle Center Israa Mahadeen said women’s representation in parliament reflects the progress of Jordan’s democratic experience. She detailed that the program combines theory with practical application to exchange experiences and enhance skills, commending the ministry’s role in supporting women’s participation in political and parliamentary life.

The three-day training targets women parliamentarians, focusing on leadership, media, legislative, and advocacy skills, in addition to practical sessions on legislative drafting, lobbying, and consensus-building to strengthen the legislative process and link it to societal realities.

//Petra// AJ

26/08/2025 15:45:32