NCFA

The National Strategy aims at empowering the family to interact positively with national, regional and global economic, social and cultural changes.

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Traditionally and historically, the family unit in Jordan enjoys a unique position in constituting the national fabric of society. Therefore, it is always regarded as the basic autonomous social unit, with fragmented interventions made with respect to the issues and affairs relevant to it from governmental and non-governmental organizations. Thus, the role of the government in family affairs is limited, unless the need for such an intervention is essential. Family issues are not assigned to a specific government body but rather to several institutions, such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Education, etc., that address issues pertinent to the family, either individually or collectively. Consequently, the need transpired for a comprehensive family policy and action plan to inform and coordinate the efforts of concerned parties.

Role of NCFA

The Jordanian family faces numerous social, economic, and health challenges that hinder attending to its responsibilities successfully. During the past four decades, urbanization changed the structure of the family from extended to nuclear, thus causing an imbalance in the family's unity and solidarity, which represent security in times of need. The large size of the family, especially if accompanied with poverty and unemployment, impedes the family’s ability to meet the basic needs of its members. The repercussions of globalization have marginalized the role of the family as the primary source of socialization, and a preserver of the cultural values, and the national identity.

Founded by Royal Decree in 2001, as a national, civil, independent body, and under the direct leadership of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, the National Council For Family Affairs (NCFA) worked with governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop a national strategy for the Jordanian family. The strategy encompasses the various aspects that affects and constitutes the life of the family.

The strategy is the outcome of a collaborative effort of the local community members of experts, researchers and officials. Constant consultation with the ministries, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the families in the different governorates was taken into consideration. The strategy is based on in-depth studies and research about the status of the Jordanian family, its characteristics, needs and the challenges it encounters. The aim was to determine the methods and means that assist the family in administering its responsibilities, safeguard its rights and assume its role in development.

In line with the Jordanian laws and legislation, international conventions and the Millennium Development Goals, which Jordan is committed to, the strategy is based on a national vision that upholds religious and inherited values, and endorses NCFA’s mission and vision as stipulated by law.

While developing the strategy, the national plans and strategies developed by NCFA with partners were given direct attention, such as the National Plan of Action for Children, and the National Strategic Plan for Family Protection against Family Violence. The strategy regards the family as one social and cultural unit, in terms of being the primary source of knowledge which develops the cultural identity of its members. The strategy also considers the family as an effective and productive entity not only a recipient of services and different forms of care.