Zaid Al-Zyoud — The Center for Women's Studies at the University of Jordan held today its first alumni gathering, with the participation of distinguished graduates of the Women's Studies program, and in the presence of the Center's Director, Dr. Amal Al-Awaudeh.
The event was hosted at The Orenda Tribe library, in an atmosphere that blended warmth of purpose with genuine belonging, where graduates revisited their memories with the academic home that continues to welcome them with new stories every time.
In her opening remarks, Al-Awaudeh welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuous communication between the Center and its graduates. She highlighted the pioneering role the Center has played since its establishment in 2006 in preparing qualified professionals who contribute to promoting gender justice and equality across various sectors.
She also noted a year of ongoing work, supported by the President of the University of Jordan, Dr. Nathir Obeidat, stressing that this support forms a cornerstone for sustaining the Center's initiatives and enabling it to continue its mission in research, education, and community service. She added that the Center will remain close to its graduates, sharing their aspirations and work.
Safaa Duradkeh, Chair of the Alumni Committee, presented an overview of the gathering's objectives, which include empowering graduates to exchange knowledge and expertise, opening avenues for research and professional collaboration, and contributing to the launch of community initiatives that strengthen the presence and impact of Women's Studies in public life.
At the conclusion of the session, Hadeel Abu Hayyaneh, Vice Chair of the Alumni Committee, delivered a review of the gathering's key activities and discussions, commending the participants' engagement and the positive atmosphere that prevailed throughout.
The program featured a series of interactive activities designed by The Orenda Tribe in collaboration with the alumni team—Hadeel Abu Hayyaneh, Samar Tahboub, and Mais Al-Nuaimi—to create a creative space for dialogue and expression. Colorful cards carrying memory-evoking questions opened windows for discovering one another, turning introductions into meaningful conversations and weaving human connections among participants.
Participants expressed their gratitude to the Center for shaping their legal and professional awareness, affirming that the gathering served as a renewed starting point for strengthening their bonds and opening pathways for collaboration in feminist studies and development work.
Their diverse experiences ranged from careers in medicine, education, law, and politics, to others who founded community and human-rights initiatives inspired by Women's Studies—stories that reflect the Center's lasting impact beyond its walls.
The gathering was the result of collaboration between the Center for Women's Studies and the WoMeNA – Women in the Middle East and North Africa program, which aims to advance women's political and economic participation in the MENA region. The program is implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
This collaboration stems from a partnership based on the belief that development does not flourish in isolation, but through dialogue and exchange, and that women's empowerment begins with knowledge and matures through participation.
At the conclusion of the event, the Center's administration affirmed that this gathering marks an initial step toward establishing a sustainable alumni network that supports the Center's vision and mission in empowering women and promoting justice and equality, with future meetings and workshops to follow.
The administration also stressed that the University of Jordan, through the Center for Women's Studies, will continue supporting its graduates and providing platforms that enhance their academic and community engagement, contributing to the University's role as a leading institution in research, education, and community development.