jordan pulse -

Switzerland Ambassador to Jordan, Emilija Georgieva, visited the We Rise for Sustainable Development Center in Irbid on Monday to review local initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, political participation, and local governance.

The visit coincided with a panel discussion titled "Women's Participation in Political Life: Challenges and Opportunities," which brought together activists and potential candidates for upcoming local government elections alongside women who contested seats during the 2022 electoral cycle.

Ambassador Georgieva reaffirmed Switzerland’s support for programs that enhance women’s roles in decision-making, describing female participation as a fundamental pillar for building inclusive and sustainable democratic societies. She noted that bolstering women's presence in local administration elections strengthens the principles of good governance and consolidates their leadership in public affairs.

The center Director General, Amer Abu Dalo, said the visit underscores a strategic partnership with the Swiss Embassy that has previously supported high-impact programs centered on integrity and active citizenship.

Abu Dalo highlighted the success of the "Integrity for Development" project, launched in 2021 in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy, which trained 90 women across the kingdom to run in local elections. He stated that these efforts align with the recommendations of Jordan’s Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System, which seeks to expand the base of political participation.

The center is currently preparing to launch the second phase of the project, "Integrity for Development 2," which Abu Dalo said marks a shift from foundational capacity building to supporting direct participation in the electoral process. The upcoming phase will provide candidates with practical tools for campaign management, political communication, and the effective use of digital platforms, while emphasizing transparency in public service.

The session concluded with testimonials from candidates of the 2022 elections, who shared their experiences and the lessons learned from their campaigns as they look toward the 2027 local elections.

//Petra// AF