Embassy of Japan in Jordan (Dialogue: Family change and Women's Labor)

Intellectual Dialogue between Japan and Jordan on 21 October 2008

The Japan Foundation in cooperation with the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) presents Intellectual Dialogue between Japan and Jordan under the title of “Family Change and Women’s Labor” - Sharing Japanese and Middle Eastern Experiences - on 21 October 2008 at the head office of the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development

"Family Change and Women’s Labor: Sharing Japanese and Middle Eastern Experiences" seminar to bolster multi-layered partnership between Japan and Jordan

The Japan Foundation and Embassy of Japan in Jordan, in cooperation with the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), will organize, on Tuesday 21 October, an Intellectual Dialogue between Japan and Jordan under the theme of “Family Change and Women’s Labor: Sharing Japanese and Middle Eastern Experiences” at the head office of the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD).

Three Japanese professors who arrived in Amman on Monday 20 October for a three-day visit to Jordan that will take them also to Syria and Iran, will debate two Jordanian scholars in the seminar and hold several discussions focusing on family and working women and explore challenges that women in both countries face in today’s world. Professor Keiko Hirao, an expert on family sociology, and Professor Yoko Ogasawara, an expert on labor issues, will give lectures on Japanese women and their role as workers, housewives and nurturers. Associate Professor Tomoko Yamagishi, an expert on Middle Eastern area studies will draw links between the Japanese experiences and those of the Middle Eastern audiences.

As for the Jordanian side, Dr. Abeer Dahabneh from the Center for Women studies and Dr. Musa Shteiwi, Director of Jordan Center for Social Research (JCSR) and Sociology Professor at the University of Jordan will deliver lectures entitled “Working Women and National Legislations” and “Globalization and Women in Jordan: The Labor Market and beyond” respectively. Her Excellency Mrs. Asma Khader, Secretary General of the JNCW, will deliver the keynote speech at the seminar.

Moreover, the Japanese delegation will, on Monday 20 October, visit the Ministry of Social Development and the National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA), on Wednesday as well as Ruwwad Center and Center for Women Studies at the University of Jordan on 22 October.

Although the relationship between Japan and Middle Eastern countries is often talked about in terms of economic interests, yet there are many common topics for discussion such as the conflict between the rapid changes in society and traditional culture or the impact of globalization. Japan and Jordan as “non-Western” countries share similar experience in the topic of family and women working in today's world, as well as challenges. It is with this in mind that the two countries have fostered a significant partnership and have worked together on the path of sustainable development and better livelihoodof local communities through support to working women in particular for decades.

In addition to the joint collaboration in development, Japan and Jordan organize regular meetings among women non governmental organizations under the Women Exchange Program. The 22nd meeting will be held in Amman on 1 -2 November 2008.

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