Localising the global: international gender norms and Jordanian women's organisations

International gender norms positively influence women's rights organisations' capacity to lobby, leverage and campaign vis a vis the state. These norms also influence a state's role, reputation and involvement in the international society of states. Partaking in gender norm discussions, networks and institutions provide opportunities and momentum for women's organisations to demand gender-equal outcomes. With respect to Jordan, this thesis argues that women's organisations recognise the political opportunities afforded them through international society and transnational advocacy networks (TANs) and use these opportunities to their advantage. The fact that Jordan is Western-oriented and dependent on international aid and thus, vulnerable to hierarchical pressures and international norms (some relating to gender) only serves to bolsters the political openings for these organisations. The thesis illustrates this argument by examining the diffusion and localisation of international norms through the participation of 17 Jordanian women's organisations. It explores the effects of national and regional political environments on the relevance, usefulness and translation of international norms by women's organisations and their networks.