On Monday, October 27, 2025, the Tawasol Network, a coalition of women- and youth-led organizations focused on gender-responsive crisis management and emergency preparedness under the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, conducted a governance workshop to present and validate its final governance structure. Organized by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), in partnership with UN Women, the workshop brought together leaders from 20 member organizations across southern Jordan and those working with people with Disability in Amman to enhance understanding of roles, responsibilities, and operational mechanisms and ensure inclusive, participatory, and effective governance.
The Tawasol Network is addressing institutional, technical, and financial challenges faced by women and youth-led CSOs and CBOs, particularly in Jordan’s southern region. The network now serves as a collaborative platform connecting diverse local actors, promoting crisis preparedness, enhancing women’s leadership, and strengthening decision-making processes and operating to expand outreach, reinforce coordination, and amplify advocacy on women, peace, and security.
During the workshop, participants engaged in presentations, group exercises, and open discussions, which allowed them to clarify governance concepts, exchange experiences, and contribute to the network’s operational planning. Members expressed appreciation for the interactive methodology, which helped simplify complex concepts, encouraged reflection, and promoted knowledge sharing. Discussions focused on defining the network’s vision, mission, and core values, emphasizing gender equality, climate adaptation, social cohesion, and community empowerment. Participants also examined the scope of work, highlighting the need to reach diverse groups, including persons with disabilities and the elderly, and stressed the importance of partnerships with the national actors and private sector, proactive crisis management planning, and integration of digital tools for communication and coordination.
The workshop also addressed governance roles, decision-making mechanisms, membership criteria, and codes of conduct. Members emphasized the importance of clear roles, effective communication, and participatory decision-making processes to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and collective ownership. Participants noted that personal visits and active engagement with member organizations foster a deeper understanding of capacities, promote equitable participation, and enhance community impact. The workshop provided opportunities to share success stories, including instances where women participants established their own community organizations, advanced to leadership positions in municipal councils, and expanded programs to support local communities.
Reflecting on the workshop, ARDD’s programs manager, Engineer Zainab AlKhalil, said: “Establishing a strong governance framework is not just a structural necessity, but it is the foundation for ensuring that women-led and youth-led organizations can fully contribute to decision-making, crisis response, and sustainable community development. Governance ensures accountability, fosters trust, and empowers members to collectively shape the network’s future.”
Feedback from participants emphasized the value of learning from other organizations and strengthening professional networks. The facilitation team ensured smooth discussions, equitable participation, and clear documentation of outcomes, which will inform future planning and network activities.
With the governance structure finalized, the network is set to operationalize the framework, disseminate relevant documents, and implement the agreed-upon actions. This structured approach strengthens ownership, accountability, and collective engagement among members, enhancing Tawasol’s capacity to empower local organizations, reinforce women’s leadership, and promote resilient, inclusive communities across Jordan.
