Document Download.pdf

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, in collaboration with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, held an Expert Group Meeting on good practices in realizing women's rights to productive resources, with a focus on land, in Geneva, Switzerland, from 25-27 June 2012. An expert paper prepared by Amal Haddadin, Jordanian National Commission for Women, discussed good practices and lessons learned in realizing women's right to productive resources, specifically in Jordan.

Land is a critical resource for women, particularly when households break down, and land ownership enhances women's social status and decision-making role. However, women are often denied access to or control over land and property. Legislative analysis and policy reforms are necessary to realize women's rights to productive resources.

In Jordan, laws and regulations embody both positive and negative provisions for women, with some laws originally intended to protect women having an adverse impact on their economic participation. The labor code restricts women's employment in certain sectors and prohibits evening and shift work, limiting their freedom of choice and professional advancement.

Amendments are needed to facilitate women's participation in public life, balance work and family responsibilities, and grant women the right to breastfeeding during work and access to nurseries. The Jordanian law unintentionally discriminates against women regarding pension and social security rights, and family allowances are not granted to women except when they are the only breadwinner.

The Jordanian Personal Status Law does not respect the minimum age for marriage, and minors' marriage leads to interrupted education and lack of job opportunities. The law should be amended to grant women equal shares of property acquired during marriage and to address the damage women suffer when marriages end.

The practice of women "voluntarily" renouncing their shares in family inheritance is unegalitarian and contradicts Islamic principles. The law should be amended to prevent women from routinely giving up their rights and to guarantee their free will.

Inheritance laws also discriminate against women, with female heirs receiving half the amount of a male heir's inheritance, and non-Muslim widows having no inheritance rights. A sole female heir receives half of her parents' estate, while the balance goes to designated male relatives.