AMMAN — UNFPA Jordan on Sunday announced the completion of a project supported by the government of Japan, aimed at expanding access to integrated sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) services for women and girls in southern Jordan.

 

Implemented in Maan, Aqaba, Karak, and Tafileh, the project helped bring essential, safe, and women-cantered services closer to refugees and host communities, particularly women and girls who face barriers in accessing health and protection services, according to a UNFPA Jordan statement.

 

Through Japan’s generous support, Women and Girls Safe Spaces in the southern governorates provided safe access to case management, psychosocial support, livelihood activities, and referrals to specialised services.

 

The project also strengthened sexual and reproductive health services through the Women-Friendly Health Services approach, with 42 primary health centres mapped and assessed across the governorates to expand quality, women-cantered care.

 

In Karak, the project supported the comprehensive centre of the Institute for Family Health (IFH), UNFPA’s implementing partner, strengthening its role in bringing integrated health care, protection, counselling, referrals, awareness sessions, and outreach closer to women and girls.

 

The impact of this support was reflected in the voices of women who shared how accessible, integrated services supported their health, dignity, and protection.

 

Government officials and local partners also highlighted the importance of the centre in responding to community needs.

 

Chair of the Governorate Council in Karak Essmat Majali described it as “an important model for serving the local community and ensuring that people can access the services and information they need.”

 

Head of the IFH Centre in Karak Munther Khreisha said that the centre “allows beneficiaries to access multiple services in one location, helping reduce barriers and encourage help-seeking behaviour.”

 

“Japan’s support has been instrumental in helping UNFPA and its partners bring integrated, safe, and dignified services closer to women and girls in southern Jordan,” said UNFPA Representative in Jordan Himyar Abdulmoghni.

 

“This partnership has not only responded to immediate health and protection needs but also contributed to strengthening national systems that uphold the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls,” Abdulmoghni added.

 

The Ambassador of Japan to Jordan Asari Hideki reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening access to essential services.

 

“In collaboration with UNFPA and Jordanian stakeholders, we have successfully provided high-quality and specialised services, significantly improving the health and well-being of women and girls, including Syrian refugees, in a dignified and supportive environment,” the ambassador said.

 

“This support has also contributed to strengthening the national health system in line with Jordan's National Strategy,” he added.

 

UNFPA Jordan reaffirmed its commitment to working with national institutions, local partners, and communities to sustain and expand integrated services for women and girls, particularly in underserved areas.

 

The government of Japan has been a “vital” partner to UNFPA globally and in Jordan, supporting efforts to advance the health, safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls in Jordan, the statement added.