On June 3-4th KVINFO and DIPD organised an international conference “100 years of women in politics” as a way of celebrating the 100 year anniversary of women’s suffrage in Denmark (1915-2015). The aim was to create a space for knowledge and experience sharing among stakeholders working with democracy assistance, equality, women’s rights and women in politics in different parts of the world and in very different environments. The conference also offered the Danish stakeholders in the political parties and civil society organisations an opportunity to dialogue with colleagues working under very different conditions. 

 

Oraib Al Rantawi emphasized that a strict interpretation of Islam, civil wars and conflicts are putting women’s rights under threat in the whole Arab region but that does not mean that Jordanian and Arab women should wait more than 50 years to enjoy gender equality. The following issues were mentioned as relevant for the Jordanian context: the role of Danish political parties and the women’s movement in enhancing women political participation and representation, the role of Danis media in supporting gender equality and the importance of gender responsive legislations. Rantawi emphasized how Jordan may serve as a source of inspiration for Denmark on how to counteract extreme Islam and ensure peaceful dialogue.