UN Women, in cooperation with the Government of Jordan, is supporting enhanced access to essential public services for more than 1000 women and men in Irbid and Zarqa as an entry point for promoting equal access to service delivery and to relieve the triggers of social tension in communities hosting large numbers of refugees.

Held under the esteemed patronages of the Governor of Zarqa, HE Dr. Raed Al Adwan, and the Governor of Irbid, Dr. Saad Shihab, UN Women is launching a dedicated programme aimed at facilitating women and girls’ access to public services and strengthening community cohesion. Jordan’s public services have been severely stretched by the impact of the Syria crisis in the Kingdom, and data shows that women and girls face unique challenges in accessing these services, including restrictions on their mobility. Illustrative of this, the Jordan Response Plan to the Syria Crisis for 2016-18 notes that half of refugee families with pregnant women report no access to ante-natal care. Generously funded by the Government of Japan, the programme is targeting vulnerable and marginalized communities in the Governorates of Irbid and Zarqa.

“Thanks to the efforts of UN Women and countless others, this program will enable some of the most vulnerable in our communities to access basic social services and will work to empower them to be leaders amongst us.” stated H.E. Ra’ed Odwan at the opening event held in Zarqa on 31 January 2016.

“This program supports Jordan’s national priorities of social cohesion between our host and refugee communities. By improving service delivery in Zarqa and Irbid, this program will not only benefit both communities, but it will also promote gender equality and empower women to face challenges they face.” added Senator Nawal Faouri.

The programme will work with local service providers to extend their services to women and girls inremote areas and those living under the poverty line, while upgrading public facilities that serve as safe spaces for women and girls, including ensuring access for people living with disabilities.

“UN Women is proud to collaborate with the Government of Jordan on this initiative. It works to meet peoples immediate needs – essential public services – while also promoting women’s leadership and bringing communities together for dialogue”, affirmed Ms. Rachel Dore-Weeks, Head of the Response, Recovery and Resilience Unit, on behalf of the UN Women Country Office for Jordan.