Tawazon- Promoting the Voice and Leadership of Women Activity Launches the Arab Women Leadership Academy
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), as a part of the USAID- Tawazon – Promoting the Voice and Leadership of Women activity, launched the first training phase of the Arab Women Leadership Academy (AWLA) program to develop the leadership abilities of women in Jordan and enhance their role in their families and communities. Over a period of three years, AWLA will train 500 women from different backgrounds, age groups, and fields of expertise from all over the Kingdom. This first AWLA group includes 70 women from Irbid, Amman, Balqa, Aqaba and Ma’an governorates. The training program will take place over the period of 6 months and will support the women’s civic and political participation and their leadership in the public and private sectors and civil society. Tawazon Activity Chief of Party Roselle Agner said, “The Tawazon Activity aims to promote women’s voices and increase their impact by enforcing gender-sensitive legislative frameworks, encouraging behaviors and social norms that support women’s participation and removing barriers to implementing this participation, as well as developing their leadership competencies”. The program organizers stressed the need to prepare a new generation of women leaders capable of assuming leadership roles in their communities, by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills, providing a safe environment for women, and integrating efforts between all sectors and institutions that support women’s access to leadership roles. AWLA is one of the most prominent leadership programs targeting ambitious women in Jordan through practical training methodologies, that enable them to develop their leadership competencies to amplify their voices and contribute to the formation of a more inclusive and empowering society.
Mental Health and the Challenges Facing Youth in Refugee Communities in Jordan
A Youth for Youth Dialogue Session held by RSC Interns
Marking World Mental Health Day, the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC) hosted a youth-led dialogue session on 10th October 2024, with participants from the Iraqi, Palestinian, Yemeni, Syrian, and Sudanese refugee communities, focusing on the mental health challenges facing refugee youth in Jordan. This session, which focused on amplifying the voices of refugee youth, came after a youth for youth dialogue session held on August 6, 2024, addressing mental health challenges faced by young people in Jordan. Led by Brigid O’Connor and moderated by Zaynab Jebur, two RSC interns, the session brought together 20 participants, including refugee youth and mental health professionals from Caritas Jordan. Dr. Rasha Safadi, a protection officer, and Dr. Lana Sonbar, a mental health and protection officer, contributed their expertise alongside other practitioners. The following are the key issues discussed during the session: Overview of Mental Health in Refugee Communities in Jordan Brigid and Zaynab presented research conducted by the RSC internship program on mental health in refugee communities in Jordan, highlighting the unique challenges they face regarding mental health outcomes, services, and support. Jordan is home to over 730,000 refugees, making it the country with the second-largest refugee population per capita globally. Most refugees come from Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, and Somalia, with each community facing different challenges depending on their legal status and access to services. The fact that Jordan is not a signatory to the Geneva Convention complicates this further. – Syrian Refugees: Over 643,000 Syrian refugees reside in Jordan, with nearly half (48%) being under the age of 15. This group faces significant mental health challenges, compounded by the trauma of displacement and the lack of long-term stability. – Iraqi Refugees: A study conducted in 2017 on 171 Iraqi refugees in Jordan revealed that over half of the sample suffered from high anxiety levels, and 42.8% reported high stress. These findings indicate ongoing mental health struggles linked to the traumatic experiences of conflict and displacement. – Palestinian Refugees: PTSD is less prevalent in Palestinian refugee communities compared to other groups, likely due to the higher number of second-generation refugees. However, teenagers in this community remain vulnerable to social isolation and limited educational opportunities, while women aged 15-40 are at higher risk of stress due to the pressures of early marriages and caring for children. – Sudanese and Yemeni Refugees: Jordan hosts nearly 5,000 Sudanese refugees, most of whom are classified as “non-border” refugees. These individuals face severe racial discrimination and are often viewed as visa overstayers rather than legitimate refugees. Similarly, 12,700 Yemeni refugees live in Jordan, many of whom enter the country on medical visas and overstay, leading the Jordanian government to view them as irregular migrants. As of 2018, only 41% of Yemeni refugees were registered with the UNHCR, further limiting their access to essential services, including mental health care. Understanding the Term “Mental Health” The session explored participants’ definitions of mental health, encouraging them to reflect on their experiences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders and exists on a continuum that affects people differently. Participants’ definitions were insightful, providing an intimate understanding of their mental health experiences. For example, an Iraqi participant described mental health as “feeling comfortable with oneself,” reflecting his belief in the importance of self-acceptance for well-being. Determinants of Mental Health Participants identified social, economic, environmental, and sociopolitical factors as the primary determinants of mental health. – Generational Trauma: Some participants highlighted the impact of generational trauma stemming from their experiences in conflict zones. One participant shared: “I lived through two wars, and I still remember bombs going off around us in Syria when I was 11. These memories stay with me.” – Economic Instability: The lack of job opportunities and economic prospects in Jordan is another critical issue. One Palestinian participant remarked, “There are no job opportunities for us.” Economic challenges often exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, with some refugees contemplating dangerous migration routes in search of a better life. As one Syrian participant noted, “Many people try to cross from Libya to Europe or the US because they see no future in Syria or Jordan.” – Stigma: Stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to seeking care. One participant emotionally recounted how her family refused to support her attempts to seek psychological help due to cultural stigma. She said, “When my dad found out, he became angry and said I wasn’t allowed to go.” Coping Mechanisms and Self-Care Given the scarcity of mental health services and support structures, participants shared the coping mechanisms they use to manage their well-being. – Living in the Present: One participant explained, “I live each day in the present and try to keep a schedule to bring structure into my life.” – Self-Reliance: Many participants emphasized self-reliance, with one saying, “I help myself by myself.” Others mentioned turning to friends for emotional support or using self-reflection to process their feelings. – Education and Work: The role of education and employment was seen as vital for maintaining mental well-being. One participant shared how his involvement in various work projects gave him purpose, while others discussed participating in community programs, such as those offered by the Collateral Repair Project (CRP). Redefining the Term “Refugee” The session concluded with a powerful discussion about the term “refugee.” Participants expressed frustration with the negative connotations associated with the label. One participant stated, “People think of us as hopeless and dependent, but this is not true. We are human beings with our own lives, achievements, and aspirations.” Another participant added, “I’m not a refugee; I have a name, and I should not be reduced to refugee status.” Participants suggested replacing the term with هوية إنسانية (human identity) to better reflect their experiences and identities. Recommendations Raise awareness about mental health in refugee communities and encourage open discussions. Advocate for more accessible mental health services, particularly for underrepresented communities. Reform the language and provision of care, prioritizing refugee
RSC and GMI Sign MoU to Enhance Knowledge Sharing and Strengthen the Aid Sector
ARDD’s think tank, the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC), and the Global Mentoring Initiative (GMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster dialogue and improve governance structures in the international aid sector. The agreement, signed in September, focuses on facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, generating joint knowledge and evidence, and exploring solutions to enhance civic space internationally and nationally. It aligns with ARDD’s and RSC’s broader objectives under the Arab Transformation program framework, which emphasizes Civic Space, Civil Society, and Localization. GMI is a values-driven social enterprise dedicated to improving organizational practices, particularly in international cooperation and crisis contexts, offering practical solutions to support organizations in challenging environments. The partnership also aims to develop high-quality partnerships that address systemic challenges in the aid sector. The collaboration will enhance knowledge sharing by providing access to resources in English and Arabic, strengthening local and regional development efforts. To launch the partnership, RSC and GMI will host a webinar series titled “Collaborative Action for Collective Impact” throughout the year, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the future of the aid sector, with a focus on governance structures and civic space enhancement.
High-Level Michigan Delegation visits ARDD to discuss international support for the Question of Palestinian
On October 1st, 2024, a distinguished delegation from the state of Michigan, USA, headed by His Excellency Mr. Abdullah Hammoud, Mayor of Dearborn, conducted a pivotal meeting at the headquarters of the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD). The visit aimed to fortify international support for the Palestinian cause amidst ongoing regional challenges, considering in particular the implications of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) crisis, for Jordan and Palestinians in the region. The meeting brought together representatives from Jordan’s most prominent civil society organizations committed to the Palestinian cause: Medical Aid for Palestinians (Map Jordan), the Arab Group for the Protection of Nature (APN), and Tawoon (The Welfare Association). These organizations, each with a long-standing history of advocacy and service, provided a detailed analysis of the situation on the ground, highlighting the impact of the Gaza conflict on Palestinian communities both regionally and globally. MAP provided critical insights into the health challenges facing Palestinian refugees, particularly in Jordan. The organization presented its ongoing work in providing medical services, addressing the acute healthcare needs of the displaced population, and tackling systemic barriers in accessing healthcare for vulnerable Palestinians. They emphasized the dire consequences of the current financial shortfall at UNRWA, which has severely hampered the provision of essential medical services. APN brought to the forefront the severe ecological and agricultural devastation caused by the wars on Gaza and current genocide, discussing its efforts to restore agricultural resilience in Palestinian territories and support food security initiatives. The organization underscored the need for urgent international attention to the environmental impact of the war, stressing the intersection of ecological destruction and human rights violations. Tawoon (The Welfare Association), a major player in regional humanitarian efforts, elaborated on its role in supporting education, economic development, and cultural preservation within Palestinian communities. They highlighted the importance of sustained international advocacy and the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the protection of Palestinians’ historical and political rights. ARDD, as the host of the meeting, presented its extensive work in advocating for the rights and dignity of Palestinian refugees particularly through the development of the Question of Palestine program at the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC). The program provides a platform for critical reflection and a localized knowledge production on the most compelling socio-political and historical issues of the Palestinian question and the Palestinian refugee crisis. Within this framework the program supports access to legal aid for Palestinian refugees. During the meeting, the Michigan delegation, which represents the largest Arab-American community in the United States, expressed deep concern for the ongoing humanitarian and political crises impacting Palestinians. H.E. Mr. Abdullah Hammoud reaffirmed the delegation’s commitment to forging lasting partnerships between the Arab-American community in the United States and Jordanian organizations working on the Palestinian cause. He emphasized the importance of developing a nuanced understanding of the complexities on the ground in order to facilitate more effective advocacy within U.S. institutions. The delegation highlighted the importance of their visit in strengthening their knowledge of the condition of Palestinians and the impact of the Gaza war on the whole region with on-the-ground data, to better strategize and represent the interest and most pressing issues for the Arab Community in USA during the current election campaign. The discussions further explored avenues for future collaboration, focusing on creating stronger ties between these civil society organizations and international stakeholders. The potential for cooperation between MAP, APN, Tawoon, ARDD, and the Michigan delegation was seen as an important step in enhancing the reach of their efforts. This cooperation aims to raise awareness in the United States about the plight of Palestinians, while also supporting the work of local organizations in delivering much-needed services. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to establishing a framework for ongoing dialogue and cooperation, which will enable to advocating for the rights of Palestinians and their call for justice.
“Activating Localization towards Sustainable Impact”… JONAF Strategic Meeting
“Our journey started with one step, and we are still going forward on the journey of a thousand miles.” With these words, Dr. Sawsan Al-Majali, Consultant at Durrat Al-Manal Foundation for Development and Training (DMDT) and executive Board of the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF), summed up JONAF’s ongoing journey since 2016, during the strategic meeting held by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) and JONAF, on Monday, September 23, 2024, entitled: “Activating Localization towards a sustainable impact”. According to Lena Halaseh, Project Manager at ARDD, the meeting, comes within the framework of the project “Towards the Future: Exploring Local Sustainability Opportunities”, funded by the European Regional Development and Protection Program to support Jordan and Lebanon. The project aims to develop a solid governance structure and standard operating procedures to institutionalize JONAF, and to strengthen the localization of Jordan’s livelihood sector through a multi-faceted approach focused on building the capacity of local civil society. In this context, Al-Majali said that “Since its inception in 2016, JONAF has played an active role in unifying the voice of civil society institutions, working with official institutions and authorities to contribute to the application of the localization of humanitarian work, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, activating the Women, Security and Peace, agenda and finding solutions to internal challenges such as coordination between institutions, institutional efficiency, building specialization, project sustainability, and advocacy, by communicating with policymakers to promote key issues related to humanitarian aid, development, and human rights.” Al-Majali then added that “The perception of civil society institutions that they are unable to provide the best and engage directly with the needs of society is a major challenge for these institutions, and this image must be changed,” stressing that the response to the Syrian refugee crisis and the concept of decentralization played a pivotal role in the emergence of the coalition. Al-Majali also pointed out that JONAF currently consists of about 50 organizations, covering the central, northern, and southern regions of Jordan, including a variety of civil society groups, community-based organizations, and founding partners. The development of membership criteria has ensured that each organization understands its roles and responsibilities within JONAF. Furthermore, the expansion of the coalition’s membership and organizational structure aimed to ensure its commitment to inclusiveness and sustainable community participation in promoting peace, security, and development in Jordan. Regarding JONAF’s future steps, Eng. Zainab AlKhalil, program manager at ARDD and coordinator of JONAF, explained that those are represented by “defining the shape of the Forum and the criteria for admission to membership, increasing the number of members, developing clear governance, strategy, and action plan for JONAF, continuing to set the objectives of the Forum and implementing them on the ground, as well as enhancing the active participation of all members and exchanging information among them, diagnosing priority strategic issues, as well as unifying the positions and discourse issued by members, and promoting the localization of humanitarian and development work, all the way to the representation of members before external strategic partners and international organizations. As for the results of the JONAF needs assessment, Dr. Sana Jelassi, Advisor for the Gender and Youth Empowerment Programs at ARDD’s Al Nahda Thought Center, pointed out that there is a need to design a comprehensive strategy that achieves sustainable progress over the next three years, and to discuss strengthening JONAF’s capabilities through dialogue on performance indicators, and developing it to achieve the Forum’s desired purpose. For her part, Iman Abu Qaoud, Networks Officer at ARDD, stressed the need to focus on JONAF’s presence in all governorates, holding its activities in them, and pushing to support and sustain political, civil, and economic participation projects, while increasing the Forum’s participation in international and local coordination platforms, as well as enhancing the role of members in the fields of advocacy and lobbying. Meanwhile, Executive Director of ARDD, Samar Muhareb, pointed out to the overall challenges facing civil society institutions, which are mainly problems within society itself, the gap between civil society and official bodies, as well as the multiplicity of legislation and government policies, in addition to the challenge of the relationship of these institutions with the funding bodies, and funding priorities in terms of the lack of project sustainability, stressing the importance of institutionalizing the work of civil society organizations and qualifying their workers, which in turn would reflect positively on society. Extensive discussions took place among JONAF members, during which they stressed “the role of JONAF in the emergency response plan for the COVID-19 pandemic by calling for providing assistance to the underprivileged groups, as well as supporting ARDD in their participation in the implementation of UN Resolution No. 1325 to address the humanitarian impact of the pandemic, as two emergency response plans were developed and implemented from the first week of the pandemic until 2021.” The members also said that “Local associations are best able to touch upon the needs of their communities and work professionally, especially with regard to the application of humanitarian standards, in addition to reaching beneficiaries such as the elderly and people with disabilities, as this was evident during plans to prepare and respond to seasonal or emergency aid or in crises”. The participants underscored the need to support local associations in all regions of the Kingdom, as well as promoting the sustainability of work between all institutions in a new strategic way, with the creation of a clear and continuous mechanism and agenda to achieve the objectives of JONAF, review its internal regulations, and re-institutionalize it over the next two years, taking into account the social and individual differences between workers in the organizations, in addition to preparing a research study to determine the training needs of workers in the local associations and organizations. The participants also went on to stress the importance of building specialization in the work of organizations, promoting the localization of humanitarian work to give civil society institutions a role in policy-making, and supporting the stability and resilience of local actors in civil society
Hybrid Regional Roundtable and Action Research Launch of Report on Raising Tomorrow’s Women leaders in Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, and the Role of Family and Society in their Advancement
The Arab world today is witnessing multiple and evolving transformations, in which women and young women strive for leadership opportunities in various areas of decision-making, amid various cultural, economic, and social barriers, which underscores the importance of the role of family and society in supporting and shaping their opportunities to become future leaders, as well as the need for positive change in the region as a whole. To initiate a regional dialogue on women’s leadership and the role of family and society in its advancement, and to launch the research report “Raising Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Role of Family and Societal Norms in Shaping Young Women Leadership in Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt”, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) held a regional roundtable in this context, on Monday, September 2, 2024, within the framework of the She Leads program, and in cooperation with Plan International Netherlands, Defense for Children – ECPAT Netherlands (DCI-ECPAT), African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), and Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH). The report aims to provide insights and recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders on how families can contribute to supporting young women’s leadership, inform policymakers and stakeholders on the drivers and obstacles to women’s leadership in society, and understand how shifts in social dynamics and regional trends can affect the leadership roles of girls and young women in Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Sarah Al-Halawani, Regional Director of the She Leads Project at Plan International – Jordan, explained that supporting women leaders takes different forms: financial, emotional, or psychological. Hence, parents have an important role in the success of their daughters and promoting their greater participation in the public sphere, as the family can be a decisive factor in creating an enabling environment in which women can effectively assume leadership positions within financial, social, and cultural norms and standards, and beyond them. For her part, Lina Halaseh, Project Manager at ARDD, stressed the importance of preparing evidence-based research to stimulate advocacy efforts to support young women leaders, noting that the family is a key factor in preparing the new generation for effective participation in decision-making positions. On the main findings of the report, Dr. Marta Tarantino, Research Officer within Women’s Studies at the Renaissance Strategic Center, explained that initiatives that recognize and enhance the crucial role played by the family in the development of women’s leadership must be improved and funded, with the implementation of mentoring programs that would help realize the importance of women’s leadership, and ensure the inclusion of parents, especially mothers who are considered role models of leadership in their communities, and other female role models, as well as stablishing intergenerational dialogue forums to bridge the gap between parents and children regarding the aspirations and challenges of both groups, in order to enhance digital inclusion for young women and their families, by promoting digital literacy programs and ensuring equal access to technology through innovative policies and financial support. Regarding areas of advocacy for the next phase, Menna Nabil, participant in the She Leads program from Egypt, warned of the need to focus on the role of family and society as a whole, and on the emergence of signs of positive change in the social dynamics that shape the public sphere, and to adopt a contemporary approach that can effectively contributes to the inclusion of girls and women in the decision-making process. Reviewing the key recommendations, Dr. Sana Jelassi, Advisor for Women and Youth Programs at ARDD’S Renaissance Strategic Center, said that “Social, political, and economic factors will continue to pose challenges to girls and their families, which policymakers and public institutions must address, as well as making local voices heard on the regional and international arenas, as they are a key element in the advancement of their countries in the coming decades.” Going forward, TdH’s MENA Access to Justice Program Coordinator, Farah Ishaqat, recommended developing and funding initiatives that strengthen the family support system and recognize its critical role in women’s leadership development, as well as providing the necessary infrastructure and safe transportation options to ensure women’s safety, allowing them greater freedom to participate in the public sphere, and also promoting the pivotal role families play in supporting women leaders, through targeted information, education, and communication campaigns, while highlighting the positive stories of families and women, and focusing on their contribution to the development of society. She Leads aims to transform social norms in formal and informal institutions in East Africa (Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya), West Africa (Ghana, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Liberia) and the Middle East (Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt).
ARDD and the Economic Empowerment Working Group honor JARA Association on its 20th Anniversary
For twenty years, Souq JARA has been the most important destination for marketing handmade and crafts products for entrepreneurs. It is the most important bazaar in the Kingdom due to its wide popularity among local visitors and tourists looking for a unique experience of viewing and shopping, in addition to another space to encourage arts, literature and music by organizing art exhibitions and concerts. To shed light on the experience of the popular markets in Jabal Amman, learn more about the stories, opportunities, and challenges of the market participants, and celebrate the 20th anniversary of JARA Association’s founding, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) and the Jabal Amman Committee hosted representatives of the United Nations Economic Empowerment Working Group on Friday, August 30, 2024, as part of an event entitled: “A Brunch at Souq Jara: Delving into the phenomenon of popular markets in Jordan”. ARDD’s Executive Director, Samar Muhareb, valued the cooperation between all parties, including the Greater Amman Municipality, representatives of Souq Jara, civil society, and the private sector, to embrace owners of initiatives and small projects in the popular markets, stressing the importance of such markets in providing and increasing economic opportunities for the people and residents of Jabal Amman, in addition to Souq Jara and the economic, social, cultural, and entertainment services it provides to the region as a whole. For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of MENA Hotels Company and Chairman of Jabal Amman Committee, Michel Nazzal, stressed the importance of integration and cooperation to support the old neighborhoods and unify efforts to serve this important and attractive area. He indicated that the Jabal Amman Committee includes multiple entities with diverse expertise, which contributes to developing the capabilities of initiatives and project owners and working with them in a strategic and effective manner. Stuart Kefford from the United Nations Development Programme, and member of the Economic Empowerment Working Group, spoke about the need to continue sponsoring Souq JARA as it provides a unique opportunity to network and exchange experiences between customers and market participants, in addition to display and market their distinctive products. The researcher at Renaissance Strategic Center in ARDD, Joel Alfonso, explained that this market has become a key attraction to reviving the spirit of this ancient neighborhood as a center for cultural diversity, where visitors can view contents that document the stages of the place’s development in words and pictures, which adds an aspect of listening to its contents and corners. In the same context, extensive discussions and interventions took place with local market participants from Jordanian women and refugees, during which they stressed the need to preserve the heritage and history of the area and improve services and infrastructure in it, as well as preserve the legacy inherited from fathers and grandfathers; the goal is to revive the neighborhood as it was before the migration of the original residents of the neighborhood at some point in time. One of the Market participants who comes from the Jordan Valley to sell her products at Souq Jara said that she started participating in the market many years ago, and uses trees and olive wood to make her traditional handmade products, which she recycles to become artistic products. Another market participant (of Syrian nationality) indicated that she is a semi-permanent participant in the Jara Market, “We wait for it from year to year.” She continued: “The opportunity to participate in the market gives us an attractive and real opportunity to deliver our products to visitors.” A visual artist (of Iraqi nationality) saw that the market contains a type of exhibition that is different from closed art halls, as it represents an open space for displaying artworks, and allows everyone to see this art that expresses human values in their most beautiful forms. According to the participants, the market is diverse and comprehensive, as several artists display their creations there, including paintings, sculptures, antiques, and copper. Many of its exhibits are handicrafts and accessories. It also has a stage for holding singing and popular concerts, in addition to a beautiful children’s area and an oriental café. It also attracts more than ten thousand visitors every Friday. At the end of this event, ARDD and the Economic Empowerment Working Group honored representatives of the JARA Association on its twentieth anniversary.
The Jordanian Register of Associations: A renewed determination towards digitization and development
Under the patronage of the Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) and the Jordan National NGOs Forum (JONAF) held, on Thursday, August 22, 2024, a conference titled: “The Jordanian Register of Associations: a renewed determination towards digitization and development”, to highlight the efforts and achievements of the Ministry of Development in developing and automating the transactions of the Register of Associations; and to emphasize the importance of “institutionalizing communication” to ensure continued dialogue, support the principles of transparency and accountability, and strengthen partnership between the government, civil society institutions, and the private sector. The conference, which included local and international organizations, as well as several representatives of ministries and civil society, sought to institutionalize communication between associations and stakeholders and clarify the necessary procedures, based on the recommendations of the JONAF in its latest report on the experience of dealing with the Takamul platform and the official updates associated with it. Bani Mustafa stressed the importance of the participatory role between the ministry and the Register of Associations on the one hand, and civil society and associations with their various competencies on the other, those who seek to provide the best services to local communities, and work to facilitate procedures and issue reports on the status of associations, as well as the plans and programs necessary to promote them, and to help them achieve their goals and objectives. Elaborating on Takamul platform which was launched earlier this year, Bani Mustafa said that: “the Register of Associations has built a digital platform that contains all the data of associations, and the platform has been linked to all partners to ensure the transparency and credibility of the data that has been fed to the platform so that the platform serves as a “data bank” for all associations, and is available for everyone to view, in a way that ensures achieving a high level of transparency in data disclosure. Samar Muhareb, ARDD’s Chief Executive Director, praised the cooperation with the Ministry of Development and the Register of Associations and the support of such dialogues and discussions, which seek to provide better experiences and support institutions to work on a larger scope and with more flexibility, stressing the need to institutionalize the work of civil society organizations, which in turn would reflect positively on society. Dr. Sawsan Al-Majali, Consultant at Durrat Al Manal Foundation for Development and Training, and a member of JONAF’s Steering Committee, pointed out that the idea that civil society institutions limited capacities to provide the best service and engage directly with the needs of society is a major challenge for these institutions, and that work must be done to change this image, stressing that JONAF, since it was established in 2016, has played an active role in working with institutions and official bodies to contribute to the application of localization of humanitarian work, activating the WPS agenda, and finding solutions to internal challenges, such as coordination between institutions, institutional efficiency, building specialization, project sustainability, and others. Taha Al-Maghariz, Secretary General of the Register of Association at the Ministry of Social Development, spoke about the goals and objectives of establishing the Takamul Digital platform, which aims to coordinate all efforts in the Kingdom regarding the work and activities of civil society institutions, official institutions, and the private sector. Al-Maghariz reviewed all the screens available on the platform and explained the purpose of its development, in addition to the indicators that began to appear through the use of the platform by civil society organizations, which includes the size of women’s participation in the decision-making process, and reviewed the map of the distribution of civil society organizations linked to “Google Map” to serve all segments of society, and to determine the boundaries and locations of these institutions quickly and accurately. During a review of ARDD’s report on the modern legal requirements to regulate the work of local and foreign associations in Jordan, the organization’s legal advisor, Adv.Rami Qwaider, explained that resources need to be allocated to ensure the integrity of the legal status and avoid any violations or fines that would negatively affect the work of civil society organizations, stressing the need to enhance communication and inform organizations of these updates. Regarding the challenges facing associations in dealing with legal procedures and local management systems of the association’s file, the Executive Director of Tamkeen for Legal Aid and Human Rights, Linda Kalash, pointed out that one of the most important challenges is the lack of knowledge in the associations of the need to amend the national number and register on the Takamul platform, as well as the lack of standardization of reference for the reviews and special reports made by the associations, explaining that “there is no need to request subsidiary approvals to obtain prior approvals from the competent authorities, as this hinders and delays the implementation and completion of projects.” Regarding the opportunities provided by civil society, the Director of Durrat Al Manal Company for Development and Training, and member of JONAF’s administrative board, Manal Al-Wazani, thought that we are going through difficult circumstances, and we need more cooperation and exchange of roles, noting that civil society institutions know the needs of society because they deal closely with individuals, in addition to their impact on laws and legislations, whether in times of crisis or even in normal circumstances, in addition to their important role in training, capacity development, job creation for young people, and work on entrepreneurial and professional programs. In conclusion, the participants in the conference stressed the need to develop regulations for the work of associations electronically, in addition to focusing on building specialization in the work of associations, and the importance of localization of humanitarian work by giving civil society institutions a role in policy-making, with the need to strengthen communication between associations and the Register of Associations in the ministry, as well as providing technical and financial support to local associations to ensure the application of emerging
Women, Peace, and Security Agenda: Local Perspectives to Understand Intersections with Youth and Climate Change
Over the past years, climate change has aggravated and created new challenges in the Arab world and the world, such as resource scarcity and socio-economic instability, which has clearly affected women and youth, and peace and security in general. To exchange knowledge and expertise related to the women, peace, and security agenda and climate change, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), within the framework of the New Generation project, held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, on the occasion of International Youth Day, a roundtable entitled: “Promoting the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda through Local Perspectives: Intersections with Youth and Climate Change”, in the presence of representatives from civil society organizations, embassies, international institutes, and local associations. In turn, the participants stressed the need to understand the intersections of peace and security with youth roles and the impact of climate change on women and communities, noting the important role of civil society in building a broader concept of peace and security, which not only includes women and youth, but also recognizes and addresses the multifaceted threats posed by new crises to formulate a more inclusive and sustainable approach to peace and security. According to them, integrating climate change into the women, peace, and security agenda ensures that interventions are inclusive and address the root causes of instability, as climate change resilience must be a key element of peacebuilding efforts, recognizing that climate-induced pressures can lead to conflict. On the role of civil society organizations in exchanging views and dialogue on these intersections and placing them within the women, peace, and security agenda, participants stressed the importance of cooperation between various actors, setting priorities, strengthening the capacities of these organizations and supporting them to meaningfully participate in the formation of national and local action plans and the implementation of the women, peace, and security agenda. The participants called on governments and donors to commit to implementing the women, peace, and security agenda, and to respond more to climate change in times of crises and disasters resulting from it, while paying attention to the role of youth and women in the decision-making process, noting that the problem of climate change needs many active specialists in this field. The participants also revealed that climate change and instability are two of the most fundamental causes of asylum and displacement in many Arab countries, which exacerbate risks to host communities, stressing the importance of providing information regarding climate change in the Arab world, as there is still a need for a lot of research and information on the intersectionality between the issues of women, security, peace, climate change, and youth, especially since what we have does not provide a comprehensive view of the agendas. The participants stressed the need to provide dialogue between all security and military bodies and civil society, the sustainability of funding, and the continuation of generational dialogue on the risks of climate change, leading to a focus on agriculture, medical services, and technology, as well as paying attention to the rich local experiences and examples led by women to face climate challenges, and reflecting them to encourage the civil and political participation of youth in this aspect. In conclusion, Jordan is currently working on a new strategy for youth participation in this agenda, with remarkable progress in the security, peace, and women’s agenda, but we must now seek to unify these strategies and premises so that they feed into one comprehensive agenda that focuses on the contributions of all; women, youth, and experts.
The Minister of Investment sponsors the “Ethics in Business” Award 2024
Under the patronage of the Minister of Investment, Kholoud Al-Saqqaf, the Jordanian Businessmen Association and the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) organized The Ethics in Business Award Ceremony 2024 in its second edition, Monday, May 20, 2024, during which a group of Jordanian businessmen and women were awarded for their contribution to promoting sustainable economic development and their active role in motivating young men and women to invest in entrepreneurial projects. It is noteworthy that the 2024 Ethics in Business Award in its second edition’s theme for this year was: “Strengthening the Local Market: Toward a more Competitive, Shock-Resilient, and Sustainable Jordanian Economy”