Saudi Fellowship for Community Engagement Visits ARDD in Jordan
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) hosted a group of participants from the Saudi Fellowship for Community Engagement as part of their field visit to Jordan. The visit aimed to introduce the fellows to the realities of civil society in Jordan and to highlight best practices in promoting civic participation and participatory decision-making. During the visit, the fellows learned about ARDD’s experience and operational frameworks, which focus on activating the localization of humanitarian and development action, strengthening networking and partnership-building, implementing community-based programs and initiatives, and producing evidence-based research through the Renaissance Strategic Center. These efforts contribute to transforming communities from passive recipients of services into active partners and owners of solutions. The role of scientific research constituted a central theme of the discussion, with emphasis placed on the fact that effective humanitarian and development work cannot be sustainable or equitable without relying on scientific research and analysis to understand community needs, design interventions, and assess impact. The fellows expressed particular interest in this approach, noting that their professional practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are likewise grounded in scientific research and evidence-based policymaking. In this context, Adv. Samar Muhareb, Executive Director of ARDD, affirmed that “genuine civic participation begins at the local level, through engaging communities as partners in diagnosis and decision-making.” She added that “scientific research and local knowledge form the foundation upon which any effective humanitarian or development intervention is built, serving as the compass that guides programs and policies toward more realistic and sustainable responses.” Muhareb further explained that ARDD’s approach is based on “linking field and programmatic work with evidence-based research, proposing policies and solutions, and promoting community and civic participation in this regard, alongside fostering a spirit of community ownership of these solutions.” The meeting was also attended by members of ARDD’s team from various departments, including heads of departments and project managers. An interactive discussion took place on mechanisms for engaging underrepresented groups and the role of participatory governance in building trust between communities and decision-makers. It is worth noting that the Saudi Fellowship for Community Engagement is a specialized professional program aimed at qualifying and empowering Saudi talents to lead community engagement systems across various sectors. It does so by combining theoretical learning, international field experience, and knowledge exchange with leading institutions, contributing to the localization of best practices within the Kingdom in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. At the conclusion of the visit, the fellows expressed their appreciation for the experience, affirming that their direct exposure to the work of ARDD and the Renaissance Strategic Center deepened their understanding of the nature of Jordanian civil society and its pivotal role in achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
ARDD Holds Consultative Meetings for the Jabal Amman Future Committee on Urban Planning and Participatory Governance
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) convened two meetings of the Jabal Amman Future Committee between 14 and 19 January 2026, in cooperation with the Greater Amman Municipality and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). These meetings were held as part of consultative dialogues aimed at exploring practical pathways to strengthen participatory governance and better align urban planning with the needs of the local community in the Jabal Amman neighborhood. The discussions brought together representatives of public institutions, international organizations, committee members, experts, and local community representatives. They focused on the institutional and regulatory framework governing urban planning. A presentation was delivered on the 2026 Planning and Zoning System, highlighting proposed shifts in planning methodologies—most notably the gradual transition from city-level planning to more detailed, neighborhood-based approaches. The discussions also addressed mechanisms for community engagement, including the use of structured public hearings as a means to enhance transparency and improve the alignment of planning policies with local priorities. In a related context, the ARDD team presented the key features of the project “CLOSER – Connecting LOcal proximity networks Sustaining participatory governance,” emphasizing its role in strengthening communication channels between local communities and public authorities, as well as the contribution of community committees to supporting participatory decision-making processes at the urban level. The meetings also included a presentation by the UN-Habitat team on comparative urban experiences, showcasing planning initiatives in Sahab and Al-Salt. These examples highlighted lessons learned in the repurposing of public spaces and in linking heritage preservation with economic and social development. They provided a basis for discussion on how similar approaches could be adapted to the Jabal Amman context, particularly with regard to the priority of developing a safe, inclusive public community space that responds to residents’ needs while preserving the neighborhood’s historical character. The meetings concluded with the identification of a set of preliminary directions and proposed next steps for the coming phase. These will be further developed through continued coordination among relevant stakeholders and with the active participation of the local community.
ARDD Holds Consultative Meetings for the Jabal Amman Future Committee on Urban Planning and Participatory Governance
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) convened two meetings of the Jabal Amman Future Committee between 14 and 19 January 2026, in cooperation with the Greater Amman Municipality and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). These meetings were held as part of consultative dialogues aimed at exploring practical pathways to strengthen participatory governance and better align urban planning with the needs of the local community in the Jabal Amman neighborhood. The discussions brought together representatives of public institutions, international organizations, committee members, experts, and local community representatives. They focused on the institutional and regulatory framework governing urban planning. A presentation was delivered on the 2026 Planning and Zoning System, highlighting proposed shifts in planning methodologies—most notably the gradual transition from city-level planning to more detailed, neighborhood-based approaches. The discussions also addressed mechanisms for community engagement, including the use of structured public hearings as a means to enhance transparency and improve the alignment of planning policies with local priorities. In a related context, the ARDD team presented the key features of the project “CLOSER – Connecting LOcal proximity networks Sustaining participatory governance,” emphasizing its role in strengthening communication channels between local communities and public authorities, as well as the contribution of community committees to supporting participatory decision-making processes at the urban level. The meetings also included a presentation by the UN-Habitat team on comparative urban experiences, showcasing planning initiatives in Sahab and Al-Salt. These examples highlighted lessons learned in the repurposing of public spaces and in linking heritage preservation with economic and social development. They provided a basis for discussion on how similar approaches could be adapted to the Jabal Amman context, particularly with regard to the priority of developing a safe, inclusive public community space that responds to residents’ needs while preserving the neighborhood’s historical character. The meetings concluded with the identification of a set of preliminary directions and proposed next steps for the coming phase. These will be further developed through continued coordination among relevant stakeholders and with the active participation of the local community.
ARDD Partners with Tilli Kids to Localize Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum for Palestine Refugee Children and Children Across the Arab Region
As part of its commitment to inclusive, rights-based education, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) has partnered with Tilli Kids in 2025, to adapt and localize Tilli’s evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum for Arabic-speaking children across the Arab region. Tilli is an innovative SEL platform for early learners aged 5 to 10, developed through research at the Stanford School of Education. By combining playful learning, behavioral science, and data-driven insights, Tilli helps children build critical emotional and social skills to navigate their environments with confidence and resilience. Through this collaboration, ARDD will translate and culturally adapt Tilli’s curriculum to reflect the linguistic and social realities of children in the region, making it more effective and relevant to their daily lives. Localization is especially critical in contexts where children face displacement, trauma, or limited access to psychosocial support. As part of a broader initiative supported by the UNICEF Innovation Fund and implemented in partnership with UNRWA, ARDD mobilized its network of qualified trainers to deliver SEL programming in UNRWA schools in Jordan. This includes training for teachers, counselors, and educational specialists to create supportive learning environments for Palestine refugee children and their peers. This initiative reinforces ARDD’s strategic commitment to advancing inclusive education, promoting mental well-being, and localizing global knowledge to better serve children across the Arab region.
“Nidaa for Change” Young Women Launch Four Initiatives to Promote Inclusive Education in Amman and Mafraq
As part of efforts to empower young women and girls, and enhance their role in driving community transformation, participants in the Nidaa for Change project, implemented by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), launched four innovative initiatives this December. These initiatives aim to support an inclusive, equitable, and accessible educational system in the governorates of Amman and Mafraq, contributing to improved learning environments for both students and teachers. The initiatives addressed pressing issues closely linked to the school and youth context. They included the Youth Skills Development Initiative (Amman), the Legal Awareness Initiative for Addressing Cyber Violence (Mafraq), the School Anti-Bullying Initiative (Mafraq), and the Digital Education Enhancement Initiative (Mafraq). The initiatives were carried out through interactive awareness sessions led by experienced trainers and specialists. These sessions created a space for dialogue that brought students and teachers together at one table to discuss on-the-ground challenges and propose participatory solutions that enhance the quality of education in both governorates. The project highlighted collaborative and collective work through close cooperation with local partners. The Amman initiative was implemented in cooperation with the Princess Basma Center for Human Development (Al-Nuzha branch), while the Mafraq initiatives were implemented in partnership with Qudrat Association for Community Development and Charity. Majd Al-Masaeed, a participant from Mafraq, emphasized the pivotal role of girls in creating change and stated: “We believe in our role as active agents of change within our communities, and these initiatives represent our practical pathway to improving the state of education in Mafraq.” Sara Ouda, a participant from Amman, explained that the experience strengthened young women’s leadership skills, adding: “These initiatives deepen our belief in our ability to achieve our dreams and build more inclusive and just communities.” Project Manager Malak Suleiman affirmed that Nidaa for Change is more than a temporary initiative. She noted that it is a real call to believe in young women as a driving force for change. This vision was demonstrated by dozens of participants who took initiative and worked passionately to design and manage six specialized initiatives supporting inclusive education, distributed equally between Amman and Mafraq. She added that the financial support is not merely funding, but an investment in the determination of young women who are being prepared to become active advocates and inspiring leaders who do not wait for change, but create it themselves for a more just and inclusive future for all. Nidaa for Change is implemented by ARDD within the IGNITE project, Inspiring Girls and Grassroots Networks for Inclusive and Quality Education, with support from the René Moawad Foundation and funding from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and additional support from the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The project targets girls aged 15 to 19 from refugee and vulnerable communities in Amman and Mafraq.
ARDD Launches CLOSER Project to Enhance Participatory Governance
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) has launched the CLOSER – Connecting LOcal proximity networks Sustaining participatory govERnance project in Jordan, funded by the EU’s Interreg NEXT MED Programme, to promote participatory governance and connect local proximity networks. The launch took place during a roundtable held on 15 December 2025, with participation from governmental and international institutions, alongside civil society and private sector representatives. This launch comes as part of ARDD’s continuous efforts to strengthen Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and develop inclusive governance models that place community needs at the core of public policy. The roundtable marked the official inauguration of CLOSER, a regional initiative aimed at enhancing local governance and expanding people’s participation across six Mediterranean countries. The project is implemented by a consortium led by the Centro per lo Sviluppo Creativo Danilo Dolci – ETS (Italy), with strategic partners including EUROTraining (Greece), the University of Alicante (Spain), JUHOOD for Community and Rural Development (Palestine), ARDD – Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (Jordan), and Moukhtara Municipality (Lebanon) . Implemented between 2025 and 2027, CLOSER aims to enhance social services and rights in Mediterranean countries — particularly in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Greece, Spain, and Italy. The project focuses on empowering civil society organizations and public authorities to jointly design more responsive social services, especially in marginalized and rural areas. During the event, Project Manager Malak Suleiman highlighted the strategic importance of CLOSER, describing it as a milestone in ARDD’s work and a step that consolidates ARDD’s position as a leader in participatory local governance in Jordan. She stressed that the project is not a temporary initiative, but rather the culmination of long-term investment in ARDD’s legacy and experience in local governance and good governance practices. ARDD aims to ensure lasting impact by developing a flexible and replicable methodology across governorates, institutionalizing participatory approaches and building effective bridges between citizens and decision-makers to support inclusivity and sustainability. The project seeks to establish local proximity networks in the six partner countries, bringing together public authorities, civil society organizations, and private sector actors to co-design innovative solutions that enhance belonging and shared responsibility, ultimately improving the quality of social services. Speaking about practical implementation in Jordan, Project Expert Consultaant Marah Khayyat explained that CLOSER aims to position “The Jabal Amman Neighborhood Future Committee” as the nucleus of the local proximity network in Jordan — working to preserve the historical identity of the neighborhood and revive its urban heritage in line with modern inclusiveness principles. She noted that the network will serve as an interactive platform linking public institutions, private actors, and civil society organizations, ensuring that residents’ needs and aspirations shape planning and decision-making processes, ultimately transforming the area into a model of resilient communities capable of delivering sustainable quality services. Overall, CLOSER – Connecting LOcal proximity networks Sustaining participatory govERnance contributes to establishing cross-border participatory governance through active proximity networks in Italy, Spain, Greece, Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon. It advances social service models through institutional capacity building and co-management approaches, encouraging transparency, community ownership, and regional cooperation toward improved social well-being and sustainable social cohesion.
ARDD Highlights Legal Protection as a Cornerstone of Sustainable Solutions at the Global Refugee Forum 2025
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) participated in the high-level Global Refugee Forum 2025, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 14 to 17 December, as a regional actor upon invitation from the Independent Diplomat. The organization was represented by its Legal Advisor, Attorney Rami Quwader. ARDD´s participation reflects its institutional efforts of moving beyond short-term humanitarian responses toward sustainable intervention models grounded in the rule of law, strengthened national legal systems, and the integration of legal protection with social and economic empowerment and social protection. The Forum featured a series of high-level bilateral meetings with donors, policymakers, and regional and international actors, as well as meetings with members of the Jordanian government delegation and press interviews. These discussions focused on strengthening strategic partnerships, advancing rights-based policies, and supporting the localization of humanitarian action as a practical pathway for translating international pledges into sustainable national impact. Quwader attended the Forum’s main plenary and spoke in several specialized side sessions, including “MENA Frontline Perspectives – What’s Working and What’s Not,” which offered a candid assessment of the limitations and effectiveness of current responses in the region. In his interventions, Quwader emphasized that civil documentation, access to justice, and legal protection are not separate sectoral pathways, but rather form an essential legal infrastructure for any sustainable solution in refugee contexts. He also highlighted the Jordanian experience as a model that has gradually evolved since 2011 from an emergency response into a more integrated approach linking legal protection, social policies, and institutional capacity building through complementary partnerships between government institutions, national civil society organizations, and international partners. He stressed that legal protection and access to justice constitute the foundation of social protection systems, as economic or social empowerment cannot be achieved without recognized legal identity, effective remedies, and a legal framework that guarantees equality and non-discrimination. Quwader noted that civil documentation and access to justice are among the most measurable and accountable tracks within the Global Refugee Forum, where international commitments are translated into tangible national actions. Investment in these systems, he underscored, is a strategic choice to protect human dignity, strengthen social protection, and support informed decision-making, including in the context of safe and voluntary return. Within this framework, he reaffirmed ARDD’s commitment to the “One Refugee – One Rights” approach, grounded in the principles of equality before the law and non-discrimination. The organization provides legal and rights-based services to all refugees regardless of nationality, through an approach centered on the rule of law, individual empowerment, and legal awareness. Finally, Quwader warned that the growing decline in sustainable funding represents one of the most serious structural challenges facing legal protection systems in the region, directly affecting the continuity of documentation and legal aid services and the ability of national organizations to act as both implementing and knowledge partners. He concluded that long-term investment in these systems is essential to achieving the objectives of the Global Refugee Forum in a rights-based manner that is nationally grounded and responsive to real protection needs.
TFGBV and Women’s and Girls’ Awareness During the 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Violence
In conjunction with ARDDs #ReclaimingTheFuture Campaign and the global 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Girls campaign, held annually from November 25 to December 10, the Legal Aid Department at ARDD, in coordination with UNHCR and several local and international partners, implemented a series of legal awareness sessions aimed at enhancing legal awareness among participants of various nationalities, including refugees and Jordanians. The workshops introduced the global campaign, targeting women and girls, which this year carried the slogan: “Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) is real violence… #NoExcuseForOnlineAbuse”, with a focus on the Cybercrime Law and related legal rights. The sessions highlighted emerging forms of violence, especially TFGBV, as one of the most serious types of violations in the digital age. In this context, awareness workshops were held in Mafraq Governorate over two consecutive sessions, hosted at the Arab Women Association and Al-Khalidiyah Association, facilitated by lawyers Basil Al-Hawamdeh and Kefaya Al-Dalabih. The workshops focused on the risks of TFGBV, legal protection mechanisms, and procedures for filing complaints. Al-Hawamdeh noted that one of the most evident concerns observed during the sessions was the intense fear among women and girls of online blackmail and defamation, particularly involving the misuse of private photos or messages as a tool of pressure and threats, often leading to silence and hesitation to report. Al-Dalabih confirmed that limited knowledge of the Cybercrime Law and complaint-filing procedures, along with fear of social stigma and victim-blaming, represent major barriers preventing women from accessing justice and legal protection. In Zaatari Camp, lawyers Ahmad Abu Atiyyeh, Mohammad Hamdan, and Hamed Al-Yaqub conducted three awareness workshops in different sectors of the camp, in cooperation with the Princess Noor Al-Hussein Foundation and UNHCR, aiming to reach the largest possible number of women and girls. The workshops addressed various issues related to TFGBV and gender-based violence, focusing on: general gender-based violence, TFGBV and its forms, online slander and defamation, harassment, threats and electronic blackmail, digital spying, challenges facing victims of TFGBV, and information on the authorized bodies responsible for receiving complaints related to crimes resulting from TFGBV. Abu Atiyyeh stated that many participants expressed concern regarding their sense of safety in digital spaces, especially with the spread of threats and harassment on social media, as well as fears of account hacking or phone surveillance. Hamdan noted that fear of scandal and family or community reactions was among the strongest concerns, as many women prefer silence over reporting—worried about the social consequences even when facing severe psychological harm. Al-Yaqub emphasized that TFGBV leaves deep psychological effects on victims, including constant anxiety, isolation, loss of trust in others, and fear of repeated abuse without the ability to protect themselves. In Azraq Camp, awareness workshops were delivered by lawyers Murad Al-Faqeeh, Amjad Faris, and Mahmoud Abu Hammam, in cooperation with CARE and UNHCR, across various camp villages, reaching a large number of women and girls. The workshops focused on legal issues related to the campaign and the evolving forms of TFGBV. Al-Faqeeh noted that participants expressed deep concern regarding the use of personal photos or information, which exposes them to blackmail or defamation, causing social and familial harm, particularly in conservative environments. Faris highlighted that women expressed specific concerns about protecting children and underage girls from exploitation and online blackmail, in light of limited digital awareness and weak protection measures. Abu Hammam stressed the importance of continuing legal and digital awareness programs and ensuring safe and accessible protection mechanisms for women and girls, reinforcing their confidence in reporting and reducing the prevalence and impact of TFGBV. In conclusion, ARDD affirms that these workshops reflect its ongoing commitment to enhancing legal awareness annually during this campaign, protecting those most vulnerable to violence, and contributing to building a safer digital environment, especially for women and girls, through legal knowledge and community empowerment.
Together We Break Barriers: Men Supporting Women Across Jordan
As communities across Jordan marked the 16 Days of Activism, a pioneering initiative highlighted the powerful role men can play in supporting women’s leadership and participation. Through 12 interactive sessions held in cities and rural areas across all governorates, participants—including local leaders, community members, and civil society representatives—explored practical ways to enhance women’s participation in decision-making. Approximately 236 people took part in these sessions, including around 143 men, reflecting strong and meaningful engagement by male allies in advancing gender equality. Within the framework of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls, the “Empowering Each Other” initiative, implemented by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) with the support of UN Women, emerged as a practical model demonstrating the influential role men can play in supporting women and strengthening their participation in public life. A dedicated session for women with disabilities marked a significant milestone within the initiative’s activities. Participants demonstrated a high level of awareness around empowerment issues and expressed the need for more programs that enhance their independence and provide safe spaces for training and networking. Attendees called for accessible infrastructure, assistive tools, and financial support, as well as positive media representation that moves beyond traditional stereotypes which often fail to reflect the true potential of persons with disabilities. They also emphasized the importance of developing legislation, enforcing laws that protect their rights, and ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes. These sessions were implemented in cooperation with a wide range of local partner organizations, as well as the JONAF Coalition and the Tawasol Network, including: Al-Shahabiya Charitable Society (Karak), Queen Zein Al-Sharaf Charitable Society (Tafilah), Farah Ladies Charitable Society (Aqaba), Ana Insan Association for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Amman), Women’s Visions Association (Irbid), Al-Amal Charitable Society for Social Development (Baqa’a Camp), Women’s Committees Gathering / Ma’an Branch, Ajloun Ladies Charitable Society (Ajloun), Jerash Ladies Charitable Society (Jerash), Athar Youth Development Association (Zarqa), Qudurat Community Development Association (Mafraq), and Mosaawa Foundation for Training and Human Rights (Madaba). During the sessions, participants discussed urgent priorities for strengthening women’s status in society, including expanding government support for women-led projects, increasing awareness-raising programs, boosting women’s representation in local councils, and improving media coverage of women’s issues. Discussions also addressed the cultural, economic, and behavioral barriers women face, such as restrictive social norms, economic constraints, limited access to flexible employment opportunities, and weak solidarity among women. Participants emphasized that participatory decision-making builds trust, strengthens shared responsibility, and leads to more inclusive solutions that benefit the entire community. The initiative also highlighted the importance of economic empowerment through access to training, employment, and education opportunities, alongside strengthening women’s legal and political awareness. The sessions helped connect women to local support networks, enabling them to share experiences, advocate for their rights, and lead community initiatives. Women with disabilities, in particular, stressed the need to improve infrastructure, provide accessible transportation, and ensure access to resources and tools that enable their active participation in public life. Participants’ testimonials reflected the initiative’s positive impact. One participant expressed appreciation for seeing men publicly support women’s voices, viewing it as a sign of genuine social change. Another participant noted that supporting women in leadership positions strengthens family resilience and reinforces the wellbeing of society as a whole. Engineer Zainab Al-Khalil, Program Manager at ARDD, affirmed that this model of participatory action demonstrates that sustainable change is possible when women are in leadership roles and men act as supportive partners. She emphasized that building the future can only be achieved through collective cooperation. In conclusion, the “Empowering Each Other” initiative reflects an integrated approach that links women’s empowerment with civic engagement while actively involving men, boys, and civil actors. It creates inclusive environments where all stakeholders contribute to supporting women and fostering a culture of respect and cooperation, strengthening social cohesion and contributing to a more just and inclusive society. The initiative will continue its activities through the end of 2025, building on more than a decade of experience in supporting women and refugees in Jordan and empowering them to participate meaningfully in public life and decision-making.
Panel Discussion to Promote Women’s Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Social Cohesion in Jordan
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), in cooperation with UN Women, convened a panel discussion titled “Women’s Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Social Cohesion” on 5–6 December 2025. The event brought together staff from the Ministry of Social Development, including representatives from the Women’s Directorate, the Productivity Enhancement Directorate, and the Societies Registry. The discussion aimed to strengthen partnerships between the Ministry and civil society organizations, highlight the role of the Ministry and the Societies Registry in empowering women and advancing civic engagement, and explore effective mechanisms for enhancing social cohesion within local communities. The session was opened under the patronage of His Excellency, the Secretary General of the Societies Registry, Mr. Nasser Shreideh, who underscored the importance of exchanging experiences and perspectives to inform policy development and address existing challenges. He emphasized the need for sustained coordination and continuous capacity building. Mr. Ziad Al-Khasawneh, Director of the Societies Registry, presented an overview of the legislative and regulatory efforts aimed at strengthening the enabling environment for civil society and supporting women’s participation in decision-making processes. These efforts include the national framework for classifying societies, as well as proposed amendments to the Societies Law. The legal advisor at ARDD, Mr. Rami Qweider, delivered an intervention highlighting that women’s empowerment is anchored in a clear national constitutional and legislative framework, as well as international commitments that uphold the principles of social justice and non-discrimination. He noted that these frameworks obligate both government institutions and civil society organizations to adopt practical policies and measures that ensure equitable participation for women and remove barriers to their engagement in public life. He further stressed that women’s empowerment is a national responsibility that strengthens the rule of law and reinforces social cohesion. The session also featured practical experiences shared by Ministry staff and representatives of the Societies Registry on integrating women into community planning and decision-making roles. Participants discussed implementation challenges and formulated recommendations to enhance civic participation and social protection. The discussions emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation and the development of clear follow-up plans to ensure the sustainability of these efforts. The panel concluded by reaffirming the importance of complementary roles between state institutions and civil society, promoting women’s leadership, and fostering an enabling environment for women’s meaningful participation in public life. Participants also identified key challenges and developed practical recommendations to advance civic engagement and social protection policies, while calling for clear action plans to monitor implementation, document outcomes, and inform future policy development. This panel discussion was organized as part of the “Empowering Each Other” project, implemented by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) in partnership with UN Women in Jordan, to support women’s leadership, expand civic engagement, and build more cohesive and sustainable communities.