Remarks in November 2006
Mr. Shigenobu Kato, Ambassador of Japan, delivered a speech at the Opening Ceremony of the “Integrating Health and Empowerment of Women in the South Region” on 16 November 2006
Quick glance at the project
- The project is to be implemented by Ministry of Health, whereas technical assistance offered from the JICA, under the supervision of the Higher Population Council.
- The first two phases of the project had been implemented at Karak Governorate during the period 1997-2003. The third phase which covers the entire southern region will be implemented during the period 2006-2011.
- Project activities will be focused on poor areas with high population density which were specified as poverty pocket areas in a survey conducted in 2004. Recent studies about the characteristics of poor families showed that the average family size for poor families is 7.5 whereas the average family size in Jordan is 5.4.
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His Excellency Doctor Ali Asad, Secretary General of Ministry of Health
His Excellency Doctor Zuhair Al-Kayed, Secretary General of Higher Population Council
Mr. Takeaki Sato, Resident Representative of JICA Jordan Office
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of the Government of Japan, it is the honour to be here today for the opening ceremony of the Japanese Technical Cooperation for “Integrating Health and Empowerment of Women in the South Region”.
Japan and Jordan have fostered a significant partnership in various areas and levels, and have worked together to contribute development and prosperity for decades.
While Jordan is exerting active efforts towards the reforms domestically in various spheres as well as regionally in and the Middle East peace process, it is also playing a key role to build up greater socio-economic of the Middle East region along with Japan and other friends in the international community.
One aspect of these remarkable and excellent relations is Japan’s continuous cooperation to Jordan under close collaboration with the Government of Jordan. The Government of Japan has implemented various projects through technical and financial support to our Jordanian friends for a better standard of living and sustainable development in Jordan.
In particular, the Government of Japan has addressed Jordanian socio-economic and cultural influence on the Middle East in cooperation with, by introducing Family Planning and Gender in the Development Project in 1997.
This project has succeeded to continue two phases from 1997 to 2003. Japan cooperated with Jordan to improve the family planning at Ghole country in Karak governorate for Phase I from 1997 to 1999, and to extend the target area to whole Karak governorate for Phase II from 2000 to 2003.
Phase I and II have not only achieved enlightening objectives of family planning, but have also advanced a social status of women through the income generating program. In response to this outcome, the Government of Jordan requested the Government of Japan to realize empowerment of women in the South Region.
As the National Agenda mentioned, Jordan has aimed to empower women to become active players in the development process. This project has a great potential to make an impact on all over Jordan, because it progresses in the South Region, which is further requiring enlightened living of the people in Jordan. The success of this project could lead to ensuring important of women’s role to play their contribution in the society.
I am very pleased and proud to announce that such family planning project was referred to as a model of the gender project for Arab Countries, and collaboration between two Governments of Japan and Jordan are supporting the empowerment of women in the Middle East area through the Third Country Training Program which extends it experience and assistance in the region.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Honorable Guests,
Japan and Jordan have worked together as important partners, sharing the objective of peace and prosperity in the Middle East region.
I am sure that this project leads a solid foundation in improving the living standard and industrial activities in the Middle East Area and accelerates mutual understanding and friendship between Jordan and Japan. I would like to assure that the Government of Japan will continue to work with the Government of Jordan in order to support Jordanian people who wants ease difficulties and constrains in their lives.
On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the staff in health authorities and cooperative organizations of Jordan as well as JICA, who are devoting themselves towards the success of this project and who have also helped to organize today’s ceremony.
In closing, I take this opportunity to thank the Government and people of Jordan for allowing us to work along with you in the bonds of friendship and goodwill, and I wish a successful completion of the project under the brilliant guidance of His Excellency Eng. Said Darwazeh, Minister of Health.
Thank you
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