Raising Tomorrow’s Leaders
Family plays a crucial role in fostering female leadership in the Arab world, providing emotional, financial, and psychological support that enables young women to navigate societal challenges and pursue leadership roles. Acting as the primary support system, families shield young women from community judgment and foster environments fertile for success. This support is crucial in societies where traditional norms might sometimes limit women’s opportunities in the public sphere. While Family support is integral to the leadership development of young women, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) within the “She Leads” program conducted an action research that highlights the role of families in Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt in shaping female leadership. The report aims to provide insights and recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders on how families can contribute to and support young women’s leadership and to Inform policymakers and stakeholders on enablers of and barriers to women’s leadership in society, in addition to understanding how shifts in social dynamics and regional trends influence leadership roles for girls and young women in Jordan Lebanon, and Egypt. The report also provides several recommendations for family support for Women’s public engagement, paving the way for young women’s leadership, education, and intergenerational exchange. The “She Leads” project, is a joint program of Plan International Netherlands, Defense for Children – ECPAT Netherlands (DCI-ECPAT), African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), and Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH) targeting social norms in formal and informal institutions in East Africa (Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya), West Africa (Ghana, Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia) and the Middle East (Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt).
ARDD-JONAF Report on the New Legal Requirements for Regulating the Work of Local and Foreign Associations in Jordan
The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) is following up on several civil society issues to promote the work of Jordan NGOs Forum (JONAF) and its member and affiliated associations. In this brief report, ARDD reviews the most significant updates on the legal status of associations. Since 2023 to date, many decisions have been issued and several measures have been taken that are directly related to local and international organizations registered within the Register of Associations in Jordan, whether they are local associations of different kinds or branches of international associations. These procedures and requirements exclude United Nations agencies, organizations established under a special law, non-profit companies, and organizations registered under a direct agreement with the Jordanian government. Gratitude and appreciation are due to the Ministry of Social Development, the Register of Associations, and all the relevant authorities for their constant efforts to develop, update, and simplify procedures for associations. ARDD and JONAF would like to offer support hereby by elaborating on these developments to the concerned parties, in addition to highlighting some notes to work on to facilitate implementation and follow-up.
Localisation Baseline Report
The localisation of humanitarian work in Jordan is an ongoing process that requires collaboration and co- operation among local and international actors. This baseline report provides an overview of the current status of localisation efforts in Jordan in-line with the Jordan Localisation Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Framework and the global Grand Bargain commitments. The survey results highlight both progress and challenges in the efforts to promote the implementation of the localisation agenda. This baseline also provides an important evidence base to inform the way forward for advancing localisation efforts in Jordan, notably in a gender-responsive and inclusive manner. In summary, the analysis of the various outcome areas reveals both positive developments and areas requiring further attention in the International Actors-Local and National Actors (IA-LNA) localisation relationship dynamics. While progress has been made in implementing accountability systems and supporting community-led projects, power differentials persist and need more mitigation, and efforts should be focused on contextualizing agreements, integrating, and empowering LNAs, and involving them in decision-making processes.
Youth Unemployment in Jordan: Failed Strategies and Deferred Promises
Dr. Raad Al Tal and Dr. Jalal Husseini Unemployment in Jordan has been expanding over the past 10 years, and its rate continued to grow in an unprecedented manner during the past two years. External factors, including the repercussions of COVID-19, have played a role in exacerbating the unemployment problem in Jordan, but internal policies, structural imbalances in the labor market and vocational preparation, and partnerships between the public and private sectors have played the greatest role in the exacerbation of the problem, and the stalling of solutions and lack of real progress in solving it. The Jordanian constitution, since 1952, enshrines the right to work, yet despite this and the existence of more than 17 strategies related to employment and combating unemployment, no positive results have been registered, rather, bureaucratic challenges have increased. The unemployment rate in Jordan today is about 25% and reaches more than 33% among women. Official statistics show that 59.3% of the unemployed are holders of a high school diploma or higher degree. The unemployment rate among men with a bachelor’s degree or higher reaches 29.5%, while it jumps among women to 81.8%. The unemployment rate in the last quarter of 2022 among young people in the 15-24 age group reached about 46.9%: 42.1% among men and 67.5% among women. The “Youth Unemployment in Jordan: Failed Strategies and Deferred Promises” study, conducted by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) as part of the efforts of the Human and Economic Development Forum (HEDF) tries to address the issue as it seeks to analyze the trends, characteristics, and causes of unemployment among Jordanian youths, as well as the reasons for the inadequacy of the various employment measures and legislative strategies adopted by successive Jordanian governments to address this serious issue. It suggests recommendations aimed at facilitating the access of youths in Jordan to decent work to contribute to the Jordanian economy.
A Localization Approach to Vulnerability Assessment: Creating a Common Understanding of Vulnerability
This report sheds light on the local perspective on vulnerability. It is part of a series of studies that look into the localization of various gender-related issues. The report points to the mechanisms adopted by CSOs to assess vulnerability to bring together the local perspective and improve the access of the most vulnerable to the support available. The research assessed how the most vulnerable groups accessed the NAF program during COVID-19, through the perspective of local communities and CSOs. The results of the research should help develop (or update) a new vulnerability assessment tool based on the local communities understanding of vulnerability. The report makes recommendations to ensure gender-sensitive responses to COVID-19 and better-coordinated strategies between CSOs and decision-makers that would help improve the current vulnerability assessing mechanisms. This report aims to examine the current vulnerability assessment tools adopted by government programs, particularly Takaful, and by CSOs, to reach an agreement on the approaches adopted. The report examines the local CSOs’ perspectives and experiences in assessing vulnerability in their communities and hopes to contribute to improving the current assessment mechanisms through the adoption of an inclusive vulnerability assessment. To bring to light the local experience and perspectives, ARDD conducted a total of 11 KIIs with local CSOs members of the JONAF coalition, based in different regions of the country. The main conclusions and recommendations of this process are: The government and CSOs have to intensify and systematize their collaboration to improve access to aid and assistance (simplify procedures, improve geographical coverage, ensure access to technology, and boost literacy and digital literacy). Vulnerability needs to be redefined to better reflect the needs of the local communities Gender Issues and Intersectionality to be taken into Account for an Inclusive response to Vulnerable Groups Improving Communication and Involving other Actors through a Participatory Approach to Aid Programs This report comes as part of the action research within the framework of the project “Strengthening the Capacities of Women-led CSOs in Evidence-Based Advocacy and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda”, supported by UN Women with the generous funding of the governments of Canada, Finland, Norway, Spain, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom. ARDD would like to thank the civil society partners and individuals that supported the development of this study, which was carried out by the research team of the Al Nahda Thought Center.
Localizing Research on Domestic Violence
Given the importance of nurturing the role and capabilities of local civil society institutions, especially those run by women leaders, in monitoring and analyzing the reality of their communities and the environment regulating their work, all of which qualify them to engage in sensitive issues such as social and domestic violence, this report, in which 11 organizations participated, seeks Civil society members of the Jordan National NGOs Forum (JONAF) to research domestic violence from a societal perspective. This report explores the local community’s perceptions and attitudes towards violence against women and girls, focusing on the levels of awareness, attitudes, and societal responses to these cases through the work of ARDD with local organizations to enhance their capabilities to enable them to conduct their own research; Including identifying the different types of domestic violence, and raising awareness of the signs and effects of domestic violence against women and girls, in addition to providing an opportunity for organizations to develop community-based prevention and response mechanisms in order to improve the support provided to survivors of violence. The report, which comes as part of the action research conducted by ARDD’s Al Nahda Center within the framework of the project “Strengthening the Capacities of Women-led CSOs in Evidence-Based Advocacy and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda” supported by UN Women with the generous funding of the governments of Canada, Finland, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Cyprus, presented several specific recommendations that are incorporated through three policy briefs to mitigate these cases. Enhancing access to Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence: Building Trust in National and Local Service Providers Inadequate knowledge of service providers’ policies and procedures discourages victims from filing complaints. Families may know about the Family Protection Department but are often unaware of the services the department and local civil society organizations provide, or of their role in protecting victims of domestic violence. By collaborating with CSOs, the FPD will be able to expand awareness about its work and enable access to its services to a broader region, so CSOs can refer cases to the FPD, as well as equip FPD with communication material that helps it reach local communities as such when awareness is raised about these services and procedures, trust in services providers will be enhanced Economic empowerment and mitigating domestic violence risks A participatory approach needs to be ensured to better identify the needs of the survivors and the services offered to them should be reviewed regularly, in addition to building economic empowerment in a vision of mitigating domestic violence, taking into account the local perspective. Building a Women´s Network for Empowerment and Solidarity The topic of domestic violence continues to be perceived as too sensitive in Jordanian society, and women refrain from reporting it due to factors such as societal norms, fear of retaliation, maintaining family cohesion, and economic challenges. To maintain confidentiality and not endanger the cohesion of their families, respondents highlighted that survivors turn to their family members for assistance and support. Establishing a network that empowers women to fight against GBV would create a safe and comfortable environment in which women can discuss GBV and support each other. Enacting legislative reforms Like other countries in the region, various reforms must be made by Jordan to assist and protect women who are at risk of violence and harassment. It is imperative that the Jordanian parliament enact laws and legislation that will guarantee the safety, dignity, and respect of all women, as well as laws that mete out strict penalties for abusers. Furthermore, the role of the judiciary in resolving conflicts arising from domestic violence by following up on settlements, must be enhanced, rather than following administrative procedures, and strengthening protection orders. In addition to the governmental and legislative roles, there is an integrative role that falls on the shoulders of all concerned parties: Human rights organizations must be trained to deal with cases of violence and provide adequate protection for the survivors. Media institutions must implement training programs to educate society, as well as revise the media discourse on violence against women. Given the importance elicit local knowledge and support locally in response to the reality of society, its challenges and needs according to its priorities and perceptions of solutions, to strengthen research on issues of community and domestic violence to address indicators of emergency needs, find evidence of progress made to build on it, ARDD continues to work with its partners to support the research agenda and communication with all concerned parties to advocate for these recommendations and work on them together and ensure that resources are found to achieve them
Green Economy and Circular Economy: The UN as a Catalyst of Change for Refugees?
Jordan and the Arab region are not isolated in sharing legitimate concerns for how scarce resources –especially water – are going to meet the needs of a growing population. A growing concern, nonetheless, is not matched by a clear vision on how to preserve the available resources and prevent the situation from getting worse. At the same time, the green economy and circular economy have become popular concepts in development but have not yet fully made their way to Jordan and the rest of the region. When they do, they should not be just buzz words, but carry a meaning that is made of a long-term and inclusive strategy. It is time for all of us, each of us, to turn to a way of living that is environmentally sustainable, opting for low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive alternatives and, regenerating instead of wasting, preserving instead of destroying. This report sheds light on some of these ideas, inspiring UN agencies like UNRWA, together with engaged civil society, to play a pioneering role in promoting an effective environment culture, and governments with which they work can learn from, participate in and benefit from it. This may lead the way and show how humanitarian and development actors fit and for most should behave in resource vulnerable countries: as the principle of ‘do not harm’ must extend to the environment. The underlying research of this paper was carried out by Ciara Patterson. Francesca Albanese, ARDD’s senior advisor, supervised the research and contributed to the writing of the final paper
Redistributing Care Work in Jordan: Enacting Policy Reforms
Jordan has enacted a number of care policies into legislation that addresses the expansion of early childhood care and education, the provision of stronger care systems for the elderly, and the reform of care leave policies. However, there have been concerns raised by activists about the efficacy of current care policies in relation to the disproportionate amount of time that women in Jordan spend on care work. Gender inequalities in unpaid care work and the labor force are interconnected. In order to increase women’s participation in the workforce, inequalities in unpaid care work must be “tackled through the effective recognition, reduction, and redistribution of unpaid care work between families and the State.” The State can allocate resources to reduce and redistribute unpaid care services in the form of money, services, and time through care policies. Such care policies include the direct provision of childcare and eldercare services, care-related social protection transfers and benefits distributed to workers who have care responsibilities, and labor regulations such as leave policies and “other family-friendly working arrangements, which enable a better balance between paid employment and unpaid care work.” This brief highlights key findings from a small-scale time-use survey conducted by ARDD in April 2021 that address how women in Jordan perform care work, how they feel about it, and their perspectives and recommendations on how the burden of care work can be redistributed through social protection mechanisms and other policies. The main recommendations suggested: Offer cash transfers or subsidies to caregivers who have dependents to offset some of the burden associated with caring for them. Provide publicly subsidized ECCE services (such as childcare) for children dependents, and nursing services for dependents with disabilities, dependents with severe chronic illnesses, and elderly dependents Reform the current leave policies to include “equal, fully paid, non-transferable parental leave for all parents Include systematic measurements of women’s unpaid care work (direct and indirect) into national statistics and quantify their work in terms of contributions to the gross domestic product (GDP). This brief comes as part of a series of Women Advocacy Issues policy briefs ARDD is producing within the framework of the project “Strengthening the Capacities of Women-led CSOs in Evidence Based Advocacy and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda” supported by UN Women with the generous funding of the governments of Canada, Finland, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. ARDD acknowledges the support of the women-led civil society partners involved in the project implementation and thanks the representatives of the organizations for their meaningful contribution.
Jordan Humanitarian Partnerships and Capacity Exchange Analysis
With the aim of supporting the plan of the Humanitarian Partners Forum in Jordan to enhance the localization of humanitarian action, an analysis of humanitarian partnerships was conducted that included 10 United Nations agencies, 59 international NGOs, and 86 local partners, through detailed project statements that focus on capacity exchange, joint coordination and financial references. This analysis was undertaken with the support of the extensive project level partnerships data generously shared by donor, United Nations (UN), International and Local Non-Governmental Organization (INGO / LNGO) partners, to understand key baselines of partnerships in Jordan, particularly around the two issues of humanitarian financing and capacity exchange, in line with the work of the Localization Task Team of the Humanitarian Partners Forum, to support advancing the strategic localization agenda in-country.
Coping with COVID-19 in Jordan: A gendered human security approach
Before the pandemic, the human security situation in Jordan was already complex, at times particularly fragile. COVID-19 and the economic crisis that ensued negatively impacted all aspects of security and will continue to do so unless fundamental changes are adopted. It has been argued that “Jordan had a good coercive mechanism to institute a lockdown but was structurally ill-equipped to deal with a large outbreak”. While the government managed to contain the health crisis to a large degree, the economic and political consequences of the measures adopted are having a profound impact, especially on the most affected groups: people with disabilities, day laborers, the elderly, women, children, migrants and refugees, and host communities. They have even the potential to intensify undemocratic/authoritarian and non-inclusive trends. Analyzing and understanding the human security context in Jordan is bound to provide an essential indicator of how the country will cope in the aftermath of COVID-19. This analysis adopts a gendered human security approach to look at the seven areas of human security in Jordan, namely, economic, health, food, environment, personal, community, and political, and suggest different scenarios regarding the impact of COVID-19 on human security. The report uses a gender lens in its analysis and gives voice to women to come up with gender-responsive recovery solutions. A gendered human security approach ensures a truly comprehensive and people-centered analysis of measures suggested to respond to current challenges. The importance of the report, which was co-edited by Dr. Sawsan Al Majali, lies in its documentation of the digital consultations and sessions of experts that directly monitored the changes during the pandemic’s developments and procedures such as lockdowns, among others. It is the result of an effort exerted by civil society stakeholders to outline, through consensus, possible intervention strategies that aim to minimize the adverse effects of the health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and its socioeconomic impact. The scenarios and recommendations proposed are the result of online discussions facilitated by ARDD and the Jordan NGOs Forum (JONAF) by a group of social protection specialists, including activists, academics, politicians, and civil society representatives from Jordan and the region. The sessions, hosted by Dr. Sawsan Majali, Reem Abu Hassan, Manal Al-Wazani, Dr. Sarah Ababneh, Linda Kalash, Dr. Lina Shabib, Dr. Salma Nims, Dr. Ibrahim Aqel, Dr. Abla Amawi, Dr. Raeda Qutb, Dr. Yusuf Mansur, Dr. Maha Al Ali, Dr. Muhannad Al-Azza and Samar Muharib, covered various factors (political, economic, legislative, social and technological) related to the impact of the pandemic. The report made several recommendations, the most important of which are: Revising the government’s development strategies with the support of civil society and experts, developing an efficient scheme to monitor laws introduced during the pandemic, to ensure that there is no overlapping or conflict with other laws and fundamental human rights, developing policies that improve employment rates and increase the number of income-generating activities, reduce income inequality and ensure that no one is left behind, and enhancing inclusive universal social protection coverage through a life-cycle approach (from childhood to old age).