Statement by Al Nahda Women Network and the Jordanian National Forum for Women
Al Nahda Women Network and the Jordanian National Forum for Women are following with deep concern the case of Jordanian farmer Nabila Al-Hashoush, including her detention and the legal proceedings brought against her in connection with her public engagement and advocacy in defense of farmers’ rights and agricultural land in the Southern Jordan Valley.
Al-Hashoush’s case extends beyond the circumstances of one farmer defending her land. It reflects broader concerns affecting women and men whose livelihoods, dignity, and economic security depend on the land and agriculture. It also highlights the realities faced by rural women and women farmers, who make significant economic and social contributions to their families and communities while remaining underrepresented in public debate and decision-making processes that directly affect their lives.
In recent months, Al-Hashoush has been among the voices engaged in public discussions and community mobilization concerning the expropriation of agricultural land in the Southern Jordan Valley. The issue has generated wider public concern and engagement among farmers, civil society actors, parliamentarians, and other stakeholders, particularly in relation to the future of agricultural land, food security, local livelihoods, and the resilience of affected communities.
Al Nahda Women Network and the Jordanian National Forum for Women reaffirm their full respect for the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, and the right of all parties to seek legal remedy. At the same time, they underscore the importance of safeguarding the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful civic participation, and the legitimate defense of rights and interests, in accordance with applicable legal safeguards and international human rights principles.
Legal proceedings should not have the effect of discouraging citizens from peacefully raising concerns, participating in public debate, or advocating for their rights. Protecting civic space is particularly important for women, rural communities, and groups whose perspectives are too often underrepresented in public decision-making.
Defending agricultural land, livelihoods, and food security is not a marginal concern. These issues are closely connected to economic and social rights, community resilience, and sustainable development. Women’s participation in defending these rights is a genuine expression of citizenship, responsibility, and meaningful participation in public life.
Al Nahda Women Network and the Jordanian National Forum for Women stand in solidarity with Nabila Al-Hashoush in affirming her right to a fair trial, full legal safeguards, dignity, freedom of expression, and peaceful advocacy on matters affecting her and her community. They call for her case to be addressed in a manner that fully respects these guarantees.
The two organizations further stress the importance of distinguishing between the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression, criticism, and rights-based advocacy and any conduct that may constitute an offense under the law. Such determinations remain the responsibility of the competent judiciary and must be made in accordance with due process and fair trial guarantees.
They also call for meaningful, transparent, and inclusive dialogue with farmers, local communities, and women affected by decisions concerning agricultural land and sources of livelihood. Those directly affected must have a genuine opportunity to participate in decisions that shape their economic security, their communities, and the future of their children.
The rule of law and strong public institutions are not undermined by critical civic voices. On the contrary, they are strengthened when citizens feel that their voices are heard and that they can peacefully and lawfully defend their rights and raise their concerns without fear.
Solidarity with Nabila Al-Hashoush is therefore also solidarity with every Jordanian woman who stands in defense of her land, livelihood, family, and community, and with every woman seeking to exercise her right to participate fully and equally in public life and in shaping the future of her country.
Al Nahda Women Network
Jordanian National Forum for Women
Amman, Jordan
7 October 2026
About Al Nahda Women Network:
Al Nahda Women Network is a social and professional platform operating under the umbrella of the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) in Jordan. It brings together women from diverse sectors in Jordan and across the Arab region to exchange experiences, support shared achievements, and strengthen women’s social, civic, and leadership roles.
About the Jordanian National Forum for Women:
The Jordanian National Forum for Women is a national platform that brings together a number of women’s committees and institutions from across the Kingdom. It works to strengthen the participation and empowerment of Jordanian women, defend their rights, and support their presence in public life and decision-making. It also contributes to highlighting the issues and challenges facing women and local communities and advocates for policies and legislation that advance and protect women’s rights.
