In a step that reaffirms the vital role of civil society organizations (CSOs) across southern Jordan and aims to enhance their effective representation in development issues, crisis management, and peace and security, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), within the framework of the project “Tawasol: Strengthening Crisis Management within the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Southern Jordan” — implemented in partnership with UN Women — held its first induction meeting on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, with the participation of around twenty CSOs from various southern governorates.
This meeting marks the beginning of a joint process aimed at strengthening the capacities of CSOs and women in southern Jordan to play an active role in crisis management and decision-making. It also seeks to foster partnership and coordination among network members to ensure effective and sustainable community responses, while addressing key challenges facing CSOs in the south — such as weak participation in decision-making, limited resources, and declining representation in crisis management, peace, and security issues.
Representatives from organizations in Aqaba, Wadi Araba, Al-Disi, Ma’an, Amman, Southern Ghor, Karak, and Tafileh participated in the meeting, including: Al-Sumo Charitable Care and Leadership Association, Farha Women’s Charitable Association, Al-Sharif Nasser Bin Jamil Charitable Society, Women of Al-Disi Basin Villages Association, Al-Jawhara Charitable Association, Women’s Committees Coalition, I Am a Human for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Be Positive Association, Women of Al-Haditha Ghor Charitable Association, Ain Abata Women’s Charitable Association, Ghor Al-Safi Women’s Association for Social Development, Zahoum Charitable Association, Rakin Women’s Charitable Association, Al-Shaheebiya Charitable Association, Shaqira Social Development Association, Al-Hasa Charitable Association for Orphans and the Poor, Queen Zein Al-Sharaf Charitable Association, Ahl Al-Himma Women’s Charitable Association, and Tafileh Women’s Charitable Association.
“UN Women established this network under Jordan’s National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 to strengthen women’s role in crisis management and peacebuilding. The development of its governance structure and the series of capacity-building trainings provided by our implementing partner ARDD is a concrete step toward enabling community-based organizations — especially those led by women, youth, and people with disabilities — to lead change on the ground. The strong participation and commitment of local actors reaffirm that women are not only essential stakeholders but also key drivers of more resilient and inclusive responses to crises under the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.”
— Eman Hourani, Programme Specialist, UN Women
For her part, Eng. Zainab Al-Khalil, Program Manager at ARDD, highlighted the importance of the active participation of network members, praising their contributions and interventions that helped shape a shared vision for the network. She noted that the project provides a platform for coordination and collective action, enhancing community resilience and crisis response.
Naifa Al-Nawasrah from the Ghor Al-Safi Women’s Association for Social Development emphasized that the project directly responds to the needs of southern regions, expressing hope that it will consider the unique context of each area and allow local communities and organizations to set their own priorities for achieving sustainable impact.
Meanwhile, Zina Al-Dughaimat from the Ghor Al-Haditha Women’s Charitable Association stressed the importance of women’s roles in southern Jordan, pointing out that many women-led organizations are exerting significant efforts in empowerment and participation, thereby strengthening collaboration and expanding the scope of action.
The meeting is part of the “Tawasol” project implemented by ARDD in cooperation with UN Women in Jordan. The project aims to equip women’s organizations with leadership and technical skills for strategic influence, support the implementation of Jordan’s Second National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 (2022–2025), engage women and marginalized communities in decision-making and peacebuilding, and enhance gender-responsive institutional approaches — ultimately empowering local organizations to strengthen resilience and sustainable development.
In conclusion, participants stressed that this foundational step will help strengthen coordination and communication among members and lay the groundwork for the network’s future direction, reinforcing women’s role as key actors in advancing peace, security, and development at both the local and regional levels.
