IRBID (Petra) - HRH Princess Basma on Tuesday was named honorary president of Yarmouk University's women's affairs centre.
During a symposium yesterday highlighting economic achievements and hardships of Jordanian women, Yarmouk University President Sultan Abu Orabi announced that the university will establish the centre to contribute to women's empowerment.
The centre was one of several initiatives launched to enhance the status of women and their economic role in Irbid Governorate at the event, attended by Princess Basma, in her capacity as chairperson of the Jordanian National Forum for Women (JNFW).
The centre seeks to enhance women's contribution to political, economic, social and public activities, Abu Orabi said at the symposium, organised by the JNFW Irbid branch and held at Yarmouk University.
The facility will work to provide women with knowledge and different skills, he said, adding that it will also conduct studies on women's issues and increase cooperation in the field among concerned entities at the local, regional and international levels.
Expressing appreciation of the Princess' support for women's issues, Abu Orabi cited her role in establishing the Jordanian National Commission for Women in 1992.
Under her leadership, the commission formulated the National Strategy for Women in 1993, he said, emphasising the strategy's role in increasing women's participation in public life.
Addressing the impact of legislation on women's economic conditions, Yarmouk University Professor Makram Zghoul emphasised the need for amending laws pertaining to women's rights, particularly the Social Security Law, which she said discriminates between men and women.
For example, in the event of the death of a husband, the widow receives a JD50 monthly allowance from her husband's social security if she is a working woman, Zghoul said, while those who do not work receive the full amount.
Widows represent 62 per cent of impoverished women and have to support their families after their husbands pass away, she pointed out.
Another challenge is the low number of female students in private universities compared to public universities, Zghoul said, attributing the imbalance to economic hardship.
JNFW Rapporteur in Irbid Ghada Telfah commended women's achievements in the northern governorate, underlining the widespread participation in the JNFW's activities.
Other speakers, including professors Susan Ramadan, Dima Rabadi and Amjad Fahoum, highlighted the importance of raising cultural and social awareness and endorsing legislation that motivates women to join the labour market and contribute to the economy.
© Jordan Times 2010
