Regional Representative of Hans Seidel: Jordan witnessing evolution in political modernization

Al-Anbat- Rahaf Abdullah 

Christoph Dewartz, the German regional representative of the HSF’s Jordan office, said: Jordan is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its modernization of the political system and the aim is set to enhance the role of youth and women in partisan and political participation.

 Dewartz told the Jordan News Agency (Petra), that modern Jordanian legislation allows young people to participate actively in partisan and political life, and civil society moves towards shaping the future they want, facing challenges and turning them into opportunities.

Dewartz pointed out that the objectives of the HSF converge a lot with the goals of the government in increasing and enhancing the participation of the women and youth sectors in party and public work, through the programs implemented by the Foundation with partners in the government and civil sectors.

He said: "the HSF sought to achieve the recommendations of the Royal Commission to reform the political system, since it established several programs and projects to educate Jordanians about the new partisan laws and the need to participate in decision making and policies.” In addition to supported the training of 4,500 public officials and youths on the subjects of good governance, integrity and combating corruption, and educating them about the importance of working through party systems.

Dewartz added that next month the foundation will launch the She Can project, which aims to create a national pressure platform for women in remote areas of Jordan, which the first phase seeks to hold meetings with national decision makers, as well as representatives of civic bodies, political parties and representatives of the media, and then conduct a baseline study in the field to describe the local situation related to the social structure, and possible points of contact.

He indicated that, based on the results of the study, meetings will be held within the targeted environments with local communities, tribal leaders and clerics, with the aim of establishing a community support structure in the municipalities and discussing ways in which obstacles can be removed and challenges related to remote areas.

He explained that the project includes holding workshops and meetings with media representatives, young leaders and university students, on national policies and party programs related to women's rights and participation, preparing reports ranging from ethical, gender mainstreaming, empowerment, active citizenship, access to information, analysis of incorrect news and rumors.

Dewarts said that the Foundation will also hold workshops with the participation of representatives and members of political parties within the provinces, dealing with topics and training on the roles and responsibilities of elected representatives and public servants, how the public participates in the provision of services, the administrative roles of the decentralized system and advocacy campaigns.