Women from Jordanian Badia Build Civic Engagement

“From the women participants’ perspective, this project is one of the most important awareness projects that contributes to enhancing the role of women in [remote] areas," says Mr. Badr Al-Qaid, President of the Northern Badia Forum for Culture and Development.  Supported by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Local Grants Program, the Northern Badia Forum organized four one-day civic and political education workshops, from July to October 2008, attended by members of four Badia women’s associations.  The workshops were intended to raise the capabilities and civic awareness of women in remote areas, to enable them to join the political stream confidently, be active members in their communities, and address their local government on issues of societal concern.

Women participants learned about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), individual rights in a democratic society, the role of municipal councils and Parliament, the relationship between citizens and elected representatives, and the role of political parties and civil society in a democracy.  Each workshop concluded with a brainstorming session for women to discuss their thoughts and aspirations.  Some women expressed their dissatisfaction with the social obstacles that hinder their political and economic participation.

Some of the workshops included a larger number of participants than the targeted fifteen.  The number of enthusiastic women from Seediyah area reached 25 from different age groups, according to Al-Qaid.  He added that some of the workshop outcomes included the establishment of a women’s association in the Serhan area, and other women formed a group to support their constituents in the upcoming municipal and parliamentary elections.  Initially, there were some concerns that the project would not be welcomed due to tribal and traditional influences in the area, but that was overcome due to a good management plan and greater public relations effort, Al-Qaid stated.