Today marks the International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme is: “Gender equality beyond 2005: Building a more secure future.”

Many Arab countries celebrate the International Women’s Day, and many have their own national woman day.
In my personal opinion that is limited to personal experience and some readings and media news here and there, two countries are on the right track as far as women’s rights are concerned: Tunisia and Jordan.
Tunisia is one of the Arab countries that have given women rights in almost everything. The Tunisian law guarantees the benefits and secures the destiny of women unlike many other countries where women are still struggling to get the basic rights of survival and participation in society.
And I know, Tunisian women wont settle for what they’ve achieved, they’ll always ask for more… my hearts with you Tunisian men 😉 But really, I think Tunisia deserves being admired for the achievements in this regard.

As for Jordan, I must also say that women are getting more rights and are entering more fields that were once considered taboo!
The country’s progress is witnessed by the increased women’s empowerment in many ways, such as women’s quota in the Lower House, the appointment of seven senators in the 40-seat Upper House, the naming of four female ministers in the most recent Cabinet, and the recent appointments in the judiciary, which now has 26 female judges.
But my favorite achievement is the ongoing project of opening shelters for abused and mistreated women. Something Arab countries lack in general. And I really am very impressed by this great step that will allow women to reject abuse and look for a better life without the fear of ending on the streets. I think all Arab countries should follow Jordan in this.

The only principle disadvantages Jordanian women have according to the Jordan Times are:
– The country’s Labor Law does not guarantee women equal pay for equal work.
– Women are underrepresented in higher management positions in the public sector.
– Citizenship Law, which allows men to pass on Jordanian citizenship to their foreign wives and children but denies women the same right.
And I think in no time, Jordan will achieve success in these 3 points as well.

In Jordan and in observance of International Women’s Day, media institutions have appointed female co-workers to run the institutions for one day.
As for Tunisia The President Zein El Abidine Ben Ali, congratulated the President of the National Union For the Tunisian Woman with the following speech: (AR), (FR).

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