Background
The Empowering Each Other (EEO) project, a long-term partnership between UN Women and ARDD, has strengthened civic engagement in Jordan since 2014. Running through 2025, it empowers vulnerable groups—especially Syrian refugees and Jordanian women—by fostering leadership and decision-making participation to build more inclusive, resilient communities.
Earlier civic engagement sessions enhanced advocacy for social protection by promoting gender equality, inclusive community involvement, and male participation. These efforts deepened civic engagement and reinforced gender-sensitive social protection.
Building on this progress, the current phase delivers multi-sectoral services—including livelihood support, GBV prevention, and civic engagement—through 18 Oasis Centers in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD). Operating across 11 governorates, these centers empower women and foster an enabling environment for leadership growth.
In 2025, EEO aims to equip 1,000 women with leadership skills and agency while encouraging men and boys to support women’s participation in decision-making. By strengthening women’s leadership through civic engagement and community mobilization, EEO drives meaningful change in policy and development.
Our Vision
Women, men, and decision-makers unite to advance gender justice, social cohesion, livelihoods, and community-led development.
Overall ObjectiveEEO aims to boost the leadership and civic engagement of Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanian women by creating an inclusive environment for their participation in decision-making. Through Oasis Centers, women gain skills and confidence to engage in public life, while engaging men, local authorities, and stakeholders to address legal, social, and cultural barriers, enhancing women’s agency and representation in civic spaces
The Approach We Apply
- Empowering women and fostering inclusive environments through capacity-building, leadership training at Oasis Centers, and advocacy for legal and social reforms.
- Engaging men, boys, and local authorities to promote positive gender norms, support women’s empowerment and ensure sustainable, gender-inclusive decision-making.
- Enhancing women’s participation in civic life, leadership, and advocacy while addressing gender-based violence and increasing female representation in civic spaces.
- Promoting social cohesion and lasting change by encouraging community support for gender justice, and strengthening women’s influence on policies and decisions.
Theory of Change
By providing vulnerable women, including Syrian refugees and Jordanian women, with leadership training, enhancing their civic engagement skills and opportunities, and facilitating access to decision-making, and by actively involving men, boys, and community stakeholders in supporting gender justice, women will gain the confidence and skills to participate in decision-making, advocate for their rights, and lead community initiatives. This will increase female representation in civic spaces, foster stronger community cohesion, and shift social norms toward inclusivity and gender equality, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society with women shaping policies and community development.
