Electoral Violence Impact on the Political Empowerment of Women in Jordan "Qualitative Study"

Abstract

This study aims to identify electoral violence phenomenon against women and its impact on the political empowerment of Jordanian women. Additionally, it aims to reveal forms of violence to which Jordanian women are exposed as voters and candidates and the extent of Jordanian women’s awareness of electoral violence reporting mechanisms and proposals that help reduce this phenomenon. The study argued that electoral violence against women has its negative impact on their political empowerment and also breach basic women's rights. The study employed qualitative descriptive approach. Personal interviews were conducted to gather relevant data. The sample was taken in accordance with the purposive method. The sample consisted of (15) women who ran for political positions (Parliamentary, partisan and municipal) and (15) women as voters in the city of Amman for the period 2012-2020 . The most prominent results of the study are that (1) all respondents were exposed to one or more forms of violence whether as voters or candidates for the parliament, party or municipality; (2) they experienced violence during election period which was the most severe and harsh on them ; and (3)violence is not related to a certain gender as women participate in the practice of violence against women due to Jordanian cultural influence that is based on tribalism and that the most prominent sources of electoral violence against women are family and clan members. The study recommended communicating with international aid providers to establish links with local organizations to develop solemn strategies to combat gender-based electoral violence and integrating its topics into election period programs