Deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah II, Senate President Faisal Al Fayez on Wednesday opened the Women in Parliaments Global Forum (WIP) which is attended by 260 women parliamentarians from 89 countries.

The two-day forum held under the theme "Women in Politics: Fast Forward", will discuss the most pressing issues on the global agenda, and sharing experiences to enhance the role of women in parliaments and in policy making.

Speakers in the forum, which is held for the first time in the Middle east and North Africa, include women parliamentarians, and political leaders from the region and world.

Al Fayez conveyed the greetings of His Majesty the King to the participants as well as his hope that the forum will contribute to promoting the role of women and empowering them in the political, social, economic and cultural fields.

He pointed to comprehensive reforms adopted by the Kingdom to enhance public participation, freedoms and human rights, grant the judiciary full independence, ensure the separation of powers, empower women, activate the role of the youth and reform laws that protect women, children and persons with special need.

"These reforms, as His Majesty affirmed, enabled Jordan to avert chaos and conflicts in the Middle East, " the Senate president said, adding that Jordan enjoys security and stability thanks to the awareness of its people.

The convening of the WIP Global Summit in Jordan comes in light of the progress made by women over the last several years, across the MENA region, to increase their participation in political decision-making.

It presents a unique opportunity for participants to discuss the most pressing issues on the global agenda and engage in dialogue about the role and importance of female decision-makers in today’s world.

Al Fayez reviewed major accomplishments that have been achieved by Jordanian women, noting that the empowerment of women requires developing legislations and laws that protect their rights and dignity, and enable them to be true partners in the development process.

He also called for activating the political, economic and social role of women, noting that women have been occupying leading positions.

Source: Petra