jordan pulse -

Jordanian women have redefined success, making it more community-focused, with a positive impact that extends to their families and society. Through projects where they utilized and honed their talents at "Juhoud" centres across various provinces, these women are leaving a meaningful mark.

What began as an individual struggle became a beacon of hope for an entire generation of those suffering from coeliac disease. A sense of pride in heritage became the spark for an artist whose paintings are shining representations of Jordan both locally and abroad. One woman’s pursuit to support her small family evolved into a significant contribution to her larger community through high-quality products, while another's unique approach to diversity led to the creation of distinctive, modern handbags.

From the digital women’s centres launched by Orange Jordan in partnership with the Jordan Hashemite Fund for Human Development (Juhoud) across the country, four success stories stand out of women who have guided their families and communities along paths filled with hope.

When "Allergy" Becomes "Light" Madaba is known not only for its mosaic art but also for its generosity. Noor Al-Hababsah was recommended by a woman who had previously joined Juhoud in Madaba to enter this new world of marketing, networking, and skills support.

But the story of giving didn’t end there. The coeliac disease that Noor’s daughter suffers from has become a source of hope for many children with the same condition. Noor turned her generosity into a business, using a plot of land she received grant funding for. She grew a small, wheat-free thyme plant, initially intended for her daughter, a lover of thyme, allowing her to eat it without any side effects. This plant eventually became a fully-fledged project aimed at helping children with coeliac disease.

“Success is the ability to make your loved ones happy and serve your community,” says Noor. She explains that her enrolment in Juhoud helped her find inspiration from fellow participants and gave her the courage to accept failure as part of success. She adds that “sharing stories and inspiration” makes achievements easier to attain.

Manal’s Achievable Hopes Manal Al-Obaidi, who joined the Juhoud centre in North Hashemi, believes success is an “advanced human concept,” where one constantly competes with their former selves to always surpass them.

Manal owns a cheese production business that adheres to high standards, earning her licenses from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. What started as an effort to support her family has turned into a project “worth recognition,” as she likes to describe it. She now aims to expand regionally and globally. Manal encourages all women to “believe in themselves” and to confidently pursue the paths they’ve chosen.

Faith in Our Bags, Success on Our Roads "Turning acquired knowledge into sustainable economic growth" is how Eman Hishan defines success. She transformed her talent for making uniquely designed, eco-friendly fabric bags into a project that inspires other women to unleash their talents and contribute to society.

Eman’s interactions with women at the Juhoud centre in Sheikh Hussein, Irbid, and her learning of marketing skills and business growth strategies became her “success formula,” which she carries in her bag and shares with others striving to achieve their goals. She believes success cannot truly resonate without a “societal purpose.”

Heritage in "The Heart" "A sip of coffee with an artist’s brushstroke" is how Wijdan Al-Jazi, who joined the Juhoud centre in Husseiniya, Ma’an, defines her journey to excellence. She has earned the Silver Jubilee Medal from the Royal Court, along with regional and international recognition.

Wijdan’s brush and deep love for Jordanian heritage have been her passport to showcasing Jordan’s beauty to the region and the world. She hopes to continue bringing Jordan to the global stage with her unique paintings. The next phase of her project is to use coffee as a medium to convey Jordan’s rich heritage, creating an even richer taste of success.

Noor, Manal, Eman, and Wijdan are Jordanian women who have each redefined success in a way that reflects their individuality and celebrates their uniqueness. Yet, what unites them all is presenting success as another form of community engagement, with a strong sense of roots, sensitivity to individuality, and, most importantly, practicality and attainability.