The EU as Gender-Equality Promoter : Jordan as Case Study

Mgr. Noura Saleem Asleem Abu Ghrieqanah

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The European Union (EU) has been developed into an important global actor in the field of gender equality promotion beyond its geographical borders. This thesis analyses the role plays by the EU as an external promoter of the gender equality norm towards Jordan. The importance of this study lies not only in the comprehensive characterization it provides on how consistent the EU is as an actor and how successful, sufficient and serious its efforts to promote gender equality are, but also because this norm is of particular significance for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The qualitative analysis shows that despite there is positive development in the EU’s role as external gender equality promoter, it has been failed to integrate the three-branched approach for gender equality promotion effectively in Jordan (political dialogue; gender mainstreaming; and specific actions). One-size-fits all approach, poor application of the gender marker in the EU’s financial allocations as well as low cooperation with women’s organizations and civil society institutions weakened its role in gender equality area. The EU’s new policy Framework for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment 2016-2020 reveals a remarkable move towards a more coherent approach to achieving gender equality in third countries.

Keywords

The European Union, Normative Power, Gender Equality Promotion, MENA Region, Jordan

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 5. 2017

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 8. 6. 2017
• Supervisor: Mgr. Hubert Smekal, Ph.D.
• Reader: JUDr. Mgr. Ivo Pospíšil, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Political Science / European Politics (Eng.)