Amman, June 18 (Petra) -- Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) on Thursday launched its second Gender Mainstreaming Strategy for 2026-2030, developed in cooperation with UN Women, to strengthen women's presence and advance equal opportunities across the military institution.
Representing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, JAF Assistant for Administration and Human Resources Brig. Gen. Khalil Al-Da'jah sponsored the launch ceremony of the strategy, which was prepared by the Directorate of Military Women's Affairs, in cooperation with UN Women.
Da'jah said Jordanian women have demonstrated their "competence and ability to perform a wide range of military duties," adding that the new strategy provides a "comprehensive" institutional framework to enhance participation, build capacities, and promote justice and equal opportunities.
He said the strategy would contribute to improving JAF's efficiency and strengthen their ability to carry out national and humanitarian missions.
Da'jah added that the JAF views gender mainstreaming as an "essential" component of institutional development, enabling the optimal use of human resources and enhancing readiness, effectiveness and operational performance in line with the military's vision and mission.
In turn, UN Women Representative in Jordan Nicolas Burniat said the JAF have demonstrated "sustained institutional" commitment to gender mainstreaming, which helped build a strong foundation for the next phase through a participatory gender audit conducted in partnership with UN Women.
He commended efforts of the JAF and the Directorate of Military Women's Affairs in advancing gender mainstreaming as an institutional priority.
Attendees were briefed by Lt. Col. Baraa Abu Qaoud, head of the Gender Division at the Directorate of Military Women's Affairs, on the strategy's objectives and key pillars, mainly gender mainstreaming considerations into policies and institutional practices, promoting equal opportunities, and creating a supportive work environment for military women.
Attended by senior officers, ambassadors and defense attachés from supporting countries, the ceremony also featured a documentary highlighting women's contributions in the army across military duties, humanitarian operations, training programs, and peacekeeping missions at regional and international levels.
The strategy aims to build on achievements from the previous phase by providing a clear and actionable roadmap to translate the armed forces’ vision into practical programs and initiatives that enhance the role of military women and maximize their contribution across the institution.
Strategy implementation will be annually reviewed and assessed by the Directorate of Military Women's Affairs to ensure effective execution and alignment with emerging priorities.
//Petra// NQ
