Jordan Times
Thursday, July 7, 2005
Academics Review Statistical Study on Women in Higher Education Institutions
AMMAN (JT) — HRH Princess Basma on Tuesday said concerned parties should tackle the problem of inconsistency between the growing percentage of educated Jordanian women and their employment rate and share of top posts.
“Jordanian women should become truly productive
citizens that work to translate the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah for a
promising future of Jordan,” the Princess said.
Princess Basma made the remarks in her address at the opening of a specialised
workshop on “Women and Higher Education: Reality and Aspirations,” organised by
the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
According to official figures cited during the workshop, 51 per cent of students
enrolled in higher education institutions are females. In certain disciplines,
the percentage rises to 80 per cent.
The workshop, which was attended by academics and specialists in women issues,
was held to discuss the findings of a statistical study on the situation of
women in higher education institutions, both as students and members of teaching
staff.
The study is considered the first of its kind in the Kingdom.
According to organisers, the study provides an updated database on this category
of women and points to hurdles and challenges facing women that hinder their
career and academic progress.
Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Khalid Touqan said the event was part of efforts by his ministry to collect
accurate data related to women in higher education.
He said the ministry would take this data into consideration in the five-year
higher education strategy being drafted by planners.
The goal, he said, is to ensure “balanced gender representation” in jobs and
academic and leadership posts.
“The progress of nations is measured by the status of women in their communities
and the roles they play in development-related activities,” University of Jordan
(UJ) President Abdul Rahim Huneiti told participants.
He noted that UJ recently adjusted the scholarship system to ensure more justice
and equality between male and female faculty members sent abroad to pursue their
studies and research.