Activists rejoice as Reem Badran wins seat outside quota

By Khetam Malkawi

AMMAN - In Tuesday's election, Reem Badran became the first woman in Amman to win a seat in the Lower House of Parliament through direct competition, a result celebrated by women activists.

With 3,792 votes, Badran outperformed all of her competitors in Amman’s Third District, in which she won one of five seats.

“I expected to win through direct competition, and used to tell people during my campaign that this is what I wanted and was striving for,” the deputy-elect told The Jordan Times on Wednesday.

She expressed hope, however, that more women will win seats in Parliament in future elections.

“Jordanian women have a strong presence in many fields, and I hope they will have their share in Parliament as well with more female representatives,” said Badran, a first-time MP.

She noted that her main priority in the Lower House will be improving business-related legislation.

Badran, who holds an MA in international business from Johns Hopkins University, is the second deputy for the president of the Amman Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she held the position of executive director at the Jordan Investment Board, after working in several positions at local and international banks.

Women activists lauded her victory, calling it an indication of change in popular attitudes towards women’s political roles in the country.

“We are proud of Badran’s win through direct competition,” Jordanian National Forum for Women Secretary General Mai Abul Samen said.

She added that the 16th Parliament will be the first to include two women from Amman, also including Abla Abu Olbeh from Amman’s Second District who took one of the 12 seats allocated for women in the 120-seat Chamber.

Abu Olbeh was not available for comment.

Nariman Rousan (Irbid), Asmaa Ruadieh (Maan), Huda Abu Rumman (Balqa), Kholoud Marahleh (Karak), Rudainah Al Atti (Zarqa), Wafaa Bani Mustafa (Jerash), Amal Rfouh (Tafileh), Salma Rabadi (Ajloun), Samia Eleimat (Mafraq), Myassar Froukhi (Northern Badia) and Tamam Riyati (Aqaba) also won seats through the women’s quota, making a total of 13 winners out of 134 female candidates.

Noting that Rousan has served in Parliament previously, Abul Samen said the presence of an experienced female deputy would improve the performance of women under the Dome.

President of the Jordanian Women’s Union Amneh Zu’bi said the female MPs who won on Tuesday’s elections have diverse backgrounds in different fields, which will be reflected in their performance in Parliament.

“Some of them are experienced in business, others in politics, public service and educationة This will benefit the overall performance of the Lower House,” Zu’bi told The Jordan Times yesterday.

Zu’bi added, however, that more Jordanian women could win seats in Parliament if a greater number of strong female candidates decided to run, noting that some qualified women refrain from seeking seats in the Chamber because of financial constraints.

11 November 2010

Source: The Jordan Times.
Link: http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=31766.