“I found the skills and training tools we received, such as brainstorming, motivational games, and direct practical exercises, immensely valuable in gaining practical experience, particularly in designing awareness-raising community initiatives and motivating women and youth to participate actively in society.” With this conclusion, Abdurahman Altarawneh, a young man who participated in the TOT training among young women and men, felt empowered with the gained behavioral skills and experiences to bolster social protection and support women’s civil participation.
Recognizing the crucial role of women’s participation in public life, both in refugee camps and host communities, in enhancing their social protection and security, and fostering a supportive environment, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) partnered with UN Women in Jordan to provide TOT training to young women and men within the “Empowering Each Other” project phase 9. This initiative equipped them with the knowledge and skills to enable them to train their community members in civil participation and social protection in their respective governorates.
Participants from Amman, Madaba, Ajloun, Zarqa, Karak, Tafileh, Ma’an, Balqa, Jerash, and al Wahat centers in the Azraq and Zaatari camps underwent “Training of Trainers” (TOT) sessions. These sessions focused on enhancing civil participation, social protection frameworks, and promoting mutual support between men and women. Additionally, effective communication and facilitation skills were imparted to enable them to pass on their knowledge and train others within their communities.
Under the project´s slogan “United for Change,” the trained women and young men and women will provide civil engagement training for social protection to 728 women in the targeted host communities. Simultaneously, men and women will collaborate to organize special activities for 420 individuals in the same communities.
Zaid Abu Zahra one of the trainees, shared that the project provided him with a comprehensive understanding of gender justice, promoting rational and logical thinking over emotional responses. He also mentioned how the training helped him reconsider and amend his previous opinions, particularly on topics like violence and hatred. He expressed his desire for the continuation and expansion of such training programs.
From her part, trainee Nisreen Al-Raba’a emphasized the added value of the training in challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities to change society’s perception of women. She highlighted the importance of critical thinking and knowledge in shaping better perspectives that can be reflected in daily life.
Trainee, Yasmin Krishan stressed the need to encourage women and young women to lead change in their local communities, advocating for their support in overcoming barriers and obstacles hindering their participation in public life.
The “Empowering Each Other” project, implemented by ARDD and UN Women with the support of the EU, has equipped participants with essential skills and instilled a sense of empowerment and purpose among young women and men, driving positive change in their communities and society at large.
