EU Marks International Women’s Day in Jordan with Activities Highlighting Women’s Rights and Empowerment

EU Marks International Women's Day in Jordan with Activities Highlighting Women's Rights and Empowerment

The European Union in Jordan marked International Women's Day with a series of online and offline activities celebrating women's achievements and promoting awareness of women's rights.

On social media, the EU highlighted how it supports women entrepreneurs through the EU-funded Advice for Small Businesses programme, implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The campaign featured inspiring stories of two Jordanian entrepreneurs: Zeina Zuaiter, founder of the online store Dumyah, and Nour Akily, founder of the online education platform Alpha Center. Their stories illustrate how access to support and resources can help women grow successful businesses and contribute to the local economy.

As part of the activities and in cooperation with ProPeace, the EU Delegation supported a Legal Awareness Campaign with sessions carried out in two locations in Jordan, Al Russeifa, and Gaza refugee Camp in Jerash. The session's themes focused on key legal issues that women face in Jordan and were attended by around 80 women from the local communities

• Session 1: Marriage & Guardianship - covering women's legal rights in marriage contracts and protection within the family.
• Session 2: Women in Public Spheres - addressing real-life experiences women face in public spaces, including the workplace, driving and street incidents.
• Session 3: Digital Rights & Safety - discussing gender-based violence and online safety in the context of Jordan's Cybercrime Law.

The week of activities concluded with a free screening of the Italian film The Girl From Tomorrow (Primadonna), inspired by the true story of the first woman in Italy to refuse to marry her rapist-an act that became a powerful symbol of social change and the emancipation of women.

To continue the conversation on women's rights, the EU also supported a four-episode podcast series with the TV presenter, Alaa Bushnaq, which will start airing next week. The podcast explores key social and legal issues affecting women in Jordan:

• Episode 1: Education, Employment & Social Security
• Episode 2: Marriage & Divorce
• Episode 3: The Culture of Shame & Social Pressures on Women
• Episode 4: Alimony & Inheritance

Through these initiatives, the EU continues to support dialogue, awareness and opportunities that contribute to women's empowerment and gender equality in Jordan.