A two-day conference, “Networking and Learning… We Lead to Establish Reproductive and Sexual Health Rights,” kicked off on Sunday in Amman, drawing participants from the Ministry of Health, government institutions, and a host of civil society organizations. This conference is a component of the “We Lead” project, a dynamic five-year initiative inaugurated by Hivos and five coalition partners in 2021. This initiative, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is aimed squarely at empowering, advocating for, and amplifying the voices and experiences of young women who are disproportionately affected by neglect in the sphere of reproductive health. Fattouh Younes, the Executive Director of Arab Network for Civic Education – ANHRE, during her opening remarks at the conference, noted that the event provided a golden opportunity for the civil society to synergize their efforts in ensuring women can fully and effectively exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights. A significant stride in promoting the sexual rights and reproductive health of women and girls was the adoption of the Family Protection Law, which set the groundwork for an enabling legislative environment. Furthermore, the implementation of the National Strategy for Women in Jordan for 2020-2025, along with the Action Plan and ratification of the National Strategy for Sexual Rights and Reproductive Health for 2020-2030, underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to these issues. In her address, Hadeel Saeh, the Director of the Directorate of Women and Children’s Health at the Ministry of Health, underscored the challenges that vulnerable demographic cohorts encounter in accessing services within a cultural context that remains sensitive to discussing sexual and reproductive health issues. This sensitivity fosters persistent obstacles to requesting and accessing services and information. Sarah Salih, Hivos Regional Director, emphasized the organization’s commitment to gender equality and fostering an inclusive community that supports marginalized groups, particularly women and girls. The goal is to boost cooperation and engagement, bolster local ownership, and conceive comprehensive and participatory programs that amplify their voices. Nyambura Gathumbi, Global Program Manager at “We Lead”, pointed out that the program is being executed across nine countries spanning Africa, the Middle East, and Central America. The “We Lead” consortium comprises six partners and a technical partner, including Hivos, Positive Vibes, FCAM, Marsa, FEMNET, and MandC Saatchi World Services. The five-year program is being financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the auspices of the Partnership Fund for Sexual and Reproductive Health, forming part of the Civil Society Strengthening Support Framework. Meanwhile, Muhannad Azza, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasized the critical importance of families and individuals recognizing the significance of sexual education as a bulwark against sexual harassment for both males and females. He drew a distinction between sexual exploitation or harassment and courtship while reiterating that reproductive and sexual health isn’t a luxury but a fundamental necessity. The opening day’s sessions concentrated on empowering women and girls to make informed and prudent decisions related to their sexual and reproductive lives. The participants exchanged insights, best practices, tools, and strategies with the aim of bolstering actionable recommendations, promoting inclusive policies and mechanisms, and building enduring partnerships with the government.

Source: Jordan News Agency