By Zayed Alzyoud
The Center for Women’s Studies at the University of Jordan (UJ) organized its first alumni gathering today, bringing together a distinguished group of graduates of the Women’s Studies Program in the presence of the Center’s Director, Dr. Amal Al-Awawdeh.
Hosted at The Orenda Tribe in Amman, the event offered a warm and engaging space for connection, reflection, and shared inspiration, celebrating the Center’s legacy as an academic home that continues to inspire its graduates.
In her remarks, Al-Awawdeh highlighted the Center’s pioneering role since its establishment in 2006 in advancing gender equality and preparing professionals who promote justice and inclusion across sectors. She also acknowledged the continued support of UJ President Prof. Nathir Obeidat as a key driver of the Center’s success in research, education, and community engagement.
The gathering featured interactive activities designed by The Orenda Tribe and the alumni committee, led by Safaa Daradkeh and Hadeel Abuhayyaneh, fostering creative dialogue among participants. Alumni shared how the program shaped their understanding of women’s rights and inspired initiatives in education, law, medicine, and community development.
The gathering was organized in cooperation with the Women in the Middle East and North Africa (WoMeNA) program, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to empowering women through knowledge, partnership, and participation.
The Center affirmed that the gathering marks the beginning of a sustainable alumni network to strengthen research, advocacy, and partnerships for gender equality. The initiative reflects UJ’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education and the empowerment of future leaders in gender and social justice.