COUNTRY REPORT: Jordan

The women's rights movement in Jordan began in the early 20th century in the form of voluntary social and charitable activities. The Jordanian Women's Union was established in January 1945, and after the kingdom gained independence from Britain in May 1946, the movement became more active in demanding greater political, social, legal, and economic rights. Educated women were granted suffrage in 1955, but it was not until 1974 that all women received the right to vote and run as candidates in parliamentary elections. In 1993, the fi rst female candidate was elected to the lower house of parliament and the fi rst woman was appointed to the upper house, as women increasingly occupied leadership positions and stepped up their involvement in the political and social spheres.