Woman laws at Jordan
Jordan has made notable strides in advancing women's rights, yet significant challenges persist due to legal frameworks and societal norms. Here's an overview of key laws and issues affecting women in Jordan:
⚖️ Legal Framework and Women's Rights
1. Personal Status Law (PSL)
The PSL governs family matters, including marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance. Critics argue that it perpetuates gender inequality by:
Allowing men to marry without their wives' consent.
Permitting men to divorce unilaterally without women's consent.
Restricting women's custody rights, especially if they remarry.
Mandating male guardianship for women over 18, requiring male approval for marriage, travel, and employment decisions
2. Abolition of "Marry Your Rapist" Law
In 2017, Jordan repealed Article 308 of the Penal Code, which previously allowed rapists to avoid prosecution by marrying their victims aged 15–18. The repeal followed public outcry and was a significant step toward protecting women's rights
3. Nationality Law Reform
In 2023, Jordan amended its nationality law to grant women married to non-Jordanian men the right to retain their nationality. Previously, such women were required to renounce their nationality upon marriage. This reform promotes gender equality in citizenship rights
4. Abortion Laws
Abortion is generally illegal in Jordan, with exceptions only to save the woman's life or preserve her health, including mental health. Performing an abortion without consent or resulting in the woman's death carries severe penalties
🚨 Gender-Based Violence and Legal Protections
1. Domestic Violence Law Jordan’s Family Protection Law (2017) provides procedures for handling domestic violence cases, including temporary detention of perpetrators and protection orders However, it does not criminalize domestic violence or address psychological abuse, economic violence, or marital rape
2. Gender-Based Violence Statistics According to the Population and Family Health Survey (2017–2018), approximately 26% of married women aged 15–49 reported experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional violence by their partners
🏛️ Institutional Support and Advocacy
*Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW): A governmental body working to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
*Justice Centre for Legal Aid (JCLA): Provides legal assistance to vulnerable populations, with a significant focus on women facing financial hardships
*Civil Society Organizations: Various NGOs advocate for legal reforms, women's rights, and provide support services to women across Jorda.
⚠️ Ongoing Challenges
*Male Guardianship System: Women require male approval for decisions related to marriage, travel, and employment until the age of 30, reinforcing patriarchal control
*Custody Laws: After divorce, mothers lose custody if they remarry, and fathers have primary decision-making authority over children's education and residence the care, especially in rural areas
While Jordan has enacted reforms to improve women's rights, such as repealing discriminatory laws and amending nationality legislation, challenges remain due to existing legal frameworks and societal Nors Continued advocacy and legal reforms are essential to achieve full gender equality in the county.
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