Workshop on the Parliament’s Role in Strengthening Women’s Rights
In late March 2006, SIGI/J organized a workshop on “The Parliament’s Role in Strengthening Women’s Rights.” The aim was to bring together civil society activists and members of parliament to discuss amendments to current legislation that will ensure greater equality and justice for women and their families.
39 parliamentary representatives and civil society advocates discussed amendments to personal status law, juveniles’ law, Sharia tribunal procedural law, nationality law, draft law for protection from domestic violence, and the alimony fund draft law.
Mrs. Asma Khader, founder of SIGI/J, presented a session on women’s right to nationality at the workshop. The session discussed the current Jordanian nationality laws and the amendment needed to protect women’s right to confer their nationality to their children and spouses. She pointed out that article 2 of the current nationality law clearly states that “A Jordanian is every one who obtained the nationality.” Article 9 of the same law also states that “the children of a Jordanian are Jordanians as well wherever they may be born.” Therefore, women have the right to confer their nationality to their spouses or children.
Mrs. Khader pointed out the hardships women undergo when their attempt to pass on their Jordanian nationality to their spouses or children is denied. The current situation causes children and spouses a great deal of psychological, emotional, social, educational, and economical hardships.
Entry Filed under: Countries, Jordan, Activities, Events