Jordan Times
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Women activists see Jamaani’s win good sign
By Rana Husseini
AMMAN - Female Deputy Falak Jamaani became the first woman to win a seat in the Lower House through direct competition, a result praised by women activists in Jordan.
Jamaani, who had previously won a seat in the 14th Parliament under the women's quota system, succeeded in collecting 3,301 votes in Madaba's Second District to win the sole seat that 15 other male candidates were vying to win. Her strongest rival collected 1,820 votes.
"I am happy for this outcome but I would say I expected it because of the successful campaign I was running and because my community recognised my efforts and supported me all the way," Jamaani told The Jordan Times on Wednesday.
The MP stressed that she reaped the fruits of her "good deeds" during her four-year service in the Lower House.
"I have worked hard and it paid off at the end of the day. If you plant good things, you end up reaping good things," she said.
"I will continue to work for women and children's rights in the Lower House," Jamaani added.
The mother of four children, who received her husband's full backing during her campaign, served as second deputy of the House speaker during the 14th Parliament and was also a member of several parliamentary committees.
Before winning a seat during the 2003 elections, Jamaani served in the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) as a dentist for 27 years and retired with the rank of major general. She is married to retired Major General Youssef Oreiqat, who also served as a JAF surgeon.
Former deputy Nariman Rousan (Irbid) almost joined Jamaani in winning a seat outside the women quota but fell short by 14 votes and ended up clinching a seat through the quota.
"Jamaani's win and Rousan's close competition is a clear indication of a gradual change in people's attitudes towards women's political participation in Jordan," Jordanian National Commission for Women Secretary General Asma Khader said.
Analysts and activists have predicted recently that out of the 199 female candidates, two or more women might win seats outside the quota.
Khader told The Jordan Times Jamaani and Rousan's strong performance in the Lower House and the services they provided for their communities was also a positive indication that people look to support deputies who prove themselves and are genuine regardless of gender.
The five other women who won seats in Tuesday’s elections through the women's quota included former deputy Insaf Khawaldeh (Tafileh), Hamdieh Quweider (Karak), Reem Abdul Razzaq (Zarqa), Tharwat Amr (Karak) and Amneh Gharagheer (Balqa).
Jordanian National Forum for Women (JNFW) Secretary General May Abul Samen praised the newly elected women MPs, noting that work should now be focused on supporting them get acquainted with their new political experience.
"Three of the four newly elected female candidates have strong affiliation with and are members of JNFW, but they are not experienced in the political world," Abul Samen said.
Abul Samen told The Jordan Times the presence of seven women in the Lower House, including three former deputies, will contribute in "pushing women's rights forward under the Dome".
Both Abul Samen and Khader said that the priority for the women's movement is to press the government to change the one-person, one-vote system and to demand an increase in the women’s quota.
"Obviously the quota system is an important tool to help women reach Parliament, but we have to work hard to increase the number of seats to at least guarantee equal representation for women in all governorates,” Abul Samen said.
Khader agreed, saying that although it will be a long road to ensure a better quota, "we will start tomorrow by lobbing the new deputies to change the law and fight for more equality".