As part of its ongoing commitment to empower girls and young women, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), in collaboration with Terre des Hommes, continues to implement a series of activities under the “She Leads” initiative. These efforts are designed to enhance participants’ practical skills, build their capacities in communication and networking, and ensure effective and sustained engagement between young women and partner civil society organizations.
Within this framework, ARDD launched specialized working groups titled “Local Councils” in Egypt (Assiut and Giza) and Jordan. These councils address key issues related to the functioning of local governance structures, with a focus on advocacy planning, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. The training topics are selected collaboratively by participants and local civil society organizations, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to their specific contexts. The councils also serve as platforms to highlight inspiring stories of female leadership and resilience.
Throughout the past weeks, members of these local councils—comprised of young women participating in the She Leads program and key strategic partners at the regional and local levels—have met to exchange insights and experiences. Among the participating organizations were the “Giving Without Limits Association” in Assiut, which promotes sustainable development through community-driven planning and implementation; the “Egyptian Female Lawyers Initiative” in Cairo, known for its pioneering work in women’s empowerment and rights advocacy; and the Jordanian National Commission for Women in Amman, which supports women through awareness and training across political, legal, health, economic, and environmental sectors.
In its second phase, the She Leads program focuses on nurturing a new generation of local and regional female leaders, empowering them to become influential voices on issues affecting their communities. The program also aims to enhance their understanding of advocacy mechanisms and provide hands-on experience in launching and leading advocacy campaigns. In addition, it offers a platform for dialogue, learning, and innovation to address core issues related to women’s leadership and civic participation.
As part of these efforts, Rita Naguib, a member of the National Council for Women – Giza branch, shared her personal journey with program participants. She recounted how she transitioned from being a housewife to a leadership role through continuous learning and self-development. She underscored the importance of solidarity among women to confront societal marginalization and highlighted the transformative power of women leaders in empowering others and defending women’s rights.
Meanwhile, in Assiut, trainer Zahia Saleh delivered a capacity-building session focused on the fundamentals of communication and public speaking. The session equipped participants with essential presentation skills that contribute to the development of their leadership and professional capabilities.
The She Leads program aims to promote gender equity in decision-making processes by increasing women’s access to education and skills development, strengthening economic empowerment, and encouraging political engagement. Through a collaborative and inclusive regional and international approach, the program continues to support young women in becoming effective advocates and changemakers in their communities.
