REVITALIZING JORDAN: WFWP JORDAN TAKES ON NEW INITIATIVE
Najah and Munira, two long-term members of WFWP Jordan, recently organized a workshop to introduce WFWP to women who come from the Noor Al Hussein Foundation. The organization’s purpose is to facilitate lasting change in underprivileged communities by creating economic opportunities, building capacity for self-reliance and improving livelihoods through programs that promote:
poverty alleviation and job creation
access to microfinance
participatory decision-making and advocacy
income-generation enterprise establishment at the community level
business development services
sustainable community development
WAGE : Women and Girls Empowerment-Securing the Future
family healthcare
Their goals align closely with our own, and we hope to work with them extensively in the future. Most of the attendees were young, and all of them were bright. The workshop lasted for three days, covering the topics of “The Mother’s Importance in Building an Ideal Family” and “Family Planning, How to Use Contraceptives Properly.” There was also a discussion on gender issues, and how stereotypes are imposed on individuals by society. The main lecturer was Najah, who is an expert on women’s workshops, though Munira also did a presentation.
The workshop was centered around group activities. Each group discussed answers to questions, then each group made a presentation. A representative from each of the different groups gave the presentation. It was a very original experience for them. Najah encouraged the women to present without making them feel shame or stress. Between sessions, they played games that they all enjoyed immensely. When asked for their impressions on the workshop, the ladies said it helped them unburden their stress.
After they had such a good experience, I encouraged them to join a Women's Club and Mother's School in our center. I want to open this up as a place for women to create and host their own activities. 10 of the women even volunteered to become board members of WFWP Jordan.
Our first meeting of the board took place on the morning of Thursday, October 11th. Everyone who came was incredibly active and inspired to begin mobilizing those around them. We discussed future activities we can start in the community to support women and families. From now on, the board will meet every Thursday. It is time to revitalize WFWP in Jordan, and these women are inspired to begin!
