NGO enables abused women to take control of their lives

AMMAN — While anguish, abuse and exploitation are what drive women to seek help at the Jordanian Women’s Union (JWU), surviving and taking control of their lives again are what distinguish them once they leave.

A sketch performed by a group of women on Tuesday — inspired by their own stories — provided insight about the types of violence Jordanian women are still subject to, including early and forced marriage, sexual and physical abuse and exploitation.

HRH Prince Basma paid a visit to the JWU on Tuesday to take a look at activities it held as part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence” campaign, which aims to intensify attention towards the injustices that women and girls face.

Despite living in “distress” since her parents separated when she was a few months old and after going through two painful marriages, Um Omar has been given a new lease on life thanks to the JWU.

She and other women who resorted to the JWU shelter have been able to continue their education, find jobs and raise their own children.

“We receive at least eight daily cases of women who were subjected to a form of abuse. We also handle cases of human trafficking, especially domestic workers, referred to us by the police,”  JWU Director General Nadia Shamroukh told The Jordan Times.

She noted that the shelter, established in 1996, provides comprehensive services to women of all nationalities residing in the Kingdom.

Currently, around 17 women live in the shelter, Shamroukh said, noting that funding is one of the main issues the facility faces.

She cited UN Women as one of the main supporters of the JWU today.

“We make sure to attend to the needs of women who come to us. We offer them social and psychological counselling and empower them economically. The JWU shelter is also equipped to receive their children,” said Howeida Khitan, a social expert from the union.

Several cases handled by the JWU are referred by government institutions, or women simply visit the premises seeking help.

Speaking to the beneficiaries on Tuesday, Princess Basma underlined the significant role the JWU plays as an NGO to combat violence against women, calling for finding deterrents, especially to the violence inflicted on children and women who are considered the most vulnerable to abuse.

JWU President Tahani Shakhshir noted that eliminating violence against women requires amending some laws and eliminating societal stereotypes.

The princess, along with Italian Ambassador to Jordan Giovanni Brauzzi, also toured an exhibition at the JWU where cartoonist Omar Abdullat helps women express their feelings through drawing and produces sketches inspired by their stories.