2013年-世界发展银行全球_Gender_and_Justice_in_Jordan___Women_Demand_and_Access_4页_788kb

Summary of MENA Knowledge and Learning Quick Note No. 107: GENDER AND JUSTICE IN JORDAN

Core Content

This document explores the intersection of gender and justice in Jordan, focusing on women's demand for and access to justice sector services. It highlights the disparities in the types of legal disputes women and men encounter, their access to legal resources, and the broader implications for gender equality and development.

Main Findings

1. Poverty and Access to Justice

• Poor individuals have higher demand for justice sector services but reduced access to them.
• Personal status disputes (family law) are the primary concern for the poor, especially women.
• There is a lack of awareness about services targeting the poor, such as legal aid and fee deferment.

2. Gender Differences in Legal Disputes

• Men are more likely to report legal disputes (75% vs. 25% for women).
• Women are more likely to report personal status disputes, such as marriage, divorce, alimony, child custody, and inheritance.
• Personal status disputes are the most significant gap between men and women in terms of case types, with 41% of women versus 11% of men reporting such issues.

3. Access to Legal Services

• Women are less likely to use court and lawyer services due to financial constraints.
• Female-headed households face even greater barriers to accessing legal services.
• Legal aid is particularly limited for personal status cases, which disproportionately affect women.

4. Dispute Resolution Methods

• Men are more likely to resolve disputes amicably (40% vs. 30% for women).
• This may reflect greater access to informal networks and higher agency in social, economic, and political life.
• Women are more likely to know the perpetrator in cases of crime, possibly due to higher levels of domestic violence.

5. Social Norms and Institutional Barriers

• Social norms significantly influence women's decision to avoid court.
• 26% of women avoid court due to customs and traditions, compared to 17% of men.
• Justice sector officials may be reluctant to engage in private family matters, such as domestic or sexual violence.
• Women who report such issues risk honor crimes or social backlash, further deterring them from seeking formal redress.

6. Awareness and Literacy

• Women and men have similar levels of awareness about court procedures and legal representation.
• This is likely due to 90% gender parity in literacy in Jordan.

Key Information

• Legal aid is a critical tool for improving access to justice, especially for poor and vulnerable women.
• Personal status cases are a key area where gender and justice intersect, as they often involve economic assets and social norms.
• Policy implications include the need for better targeted services, public awareness campaigns, and financial support mechanisms for women.
• Enhancing self-help representation and providing free legal information could improve accessibility and financial sustainability of justice services.

Conclusion

The document underscores that gender disparities in access to justice are deeply rooted in social norms, economic conditions, and legal structures. It calls for reforms that address these gaps, particularly in personal status cases, to promote gender equality and inclusive development.

Contact Information

• Gerard A. Byam, Director, Strategy and Operations
• Preeti S. Ahuja, Manager, MNADE
• Regional Quick Notes Team: Omer Karasapan and Roby Fields
• Tel #: (202) 473 8177

Note: The MNA Quick Notes summarize lessons learned from MNA and other Bank Knowledge and Learning activities. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank, its Board, or its member countries.