The United Nations Task Force on Violence Against Women, working under the auspices of the United Nations Interagency Network on Women and Gender Equality, recently released a baseline assessment on violence against women in Jordan with recommendations for various stakeholders. The assessment is the first step in an initiative that envisions comprehensive programming on violence against women in Jordan and nine other pilot countries.

According to the assessment, the government of Jordan has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to achieving gender equity. Nevertheless, gaps persist in awareness, legislation, public policy and other areas relevant to stemming violence against women.

Data concerning the number of women impacted by domestic violence, for instance, is not currently available and must be estimated from health surveys. The number of women experiencing violence in the workplace and in the public sphere is even more difficult to ascertain.

Currently, two overarching national plans are being used to limit violence against women, but the assessment calls for greater cooperation and communication among the government agencies implementing the plans.

Furthermore, the assessment points to a need for greater coordination among non-governmental organizations, although the UN report does laud Jordan’s active civil society sector.  

Finally, the assessment calls on the government of Jordan to improve and expand shelter and hotline services.   

Compiled from: Violence against Women: Assessing the Situation in Jordan, The United Nations , WUNRN.com  (16 August 2010).