Women leadership in higher education

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  • Project OverviewMiddle East University (MEU) is proud to have successfully concluded the groundbreaking “Empowering Women’s Leadership in Higher Education” – known as the [EMPOWER NETWORK]  project, a strategic collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, UK. Funded by the British Council under the Gender Equality Partnerships grant, this initiative was the first of its kind in Jordan, directly addressing significant gender disparities in academic leadership.Despite high female enrollment and representation in teaching roles within Jordan’s higher education sector, women remain critically underrepresented in senior leadership and decision-making fora. The project was designed to dismantle these systemic barriers by empowering a new generation of female academic leaders through capacity building, network creation, and policy advocacy.This project underscores MEU’s deep commitment to sustainable development goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality, and reinforces our role as a national leader in promoting inclusive and equitable higher education.
  • Key Project Activities & OutcomesThe EMPOWER NETWORK project delivered a suite of targeted activities designed to create a lasting and sustainable impact:
    1. Inaugural Women’s Leadership Conference:MEU hosted a major conference in Jordan, providing a vital platform for aspiring and current women leaders to access resources, training, and inspiration for career progression.
    2. Establishment of a Sustainable Network & Dialogue Series:A core outcome was the founding of the Women and Leadership in Higher Education Network. This peer-support platform facilitated a series of strategic meetings, chaired by MEU’s President, Professor Salam Al-Mahadin – a pioneering role model and one of the few female university presidents in Jordan. Under her guidance, the network served as an essential resource, encouraging members to grasp opportunities and leverage the network for support. Thematic meetings provided a safe space for discussion, peer learning, and strategy, including:
      1. Reflections on Female Leadership: A Safe Space to Talk
      2. The Importance of Mentoring and Coaching: Electing Female Leader Mentors
      3. Leadership Training for Female Academics
      4. Joint Research Among Female Academics: Creating Opportunities
      5. Advocacy and Policy Development in Higher Education: A Female Perspective

     

    The network also hosted distinguished guests to broaden perspectives, such as the meeting marking International Women’s Day 2024, which featured Hazel Mowbray, Deputy Head of Mission and Development Director at the British Embassy in Amman.

     

    1. Policy Advocacy & Institutional Influence:The network moved beyond discussion to identify critical systemic issues hindering women’s advancement. It has successfully created key partnerships and inroads with national decision-makers, presenting a formal position paper with actionable recommendations to the Ministry of Higher Education to inform equitable policy development.
    2. Publication of the “Portraits of Impact” Compendium:This powerful publication, titled “Portraits of Impact: Women Leading in Jordanian Higher Education,” compiles the authentic and inspiring leadership stories of women from MEU. It serves as both an inspirational resource and a critical scholarly record, showcasing diverse journeys of resilience, breaking barriers, and transformative leadership to inspire future generations.
    3. Development of Scholarly Outputs:The project generated significant research insights into the challenges and successes of promoting gender equality in academic leadership. These outputs are designed for global applicability, contributing to international best practices.

 

  • Significance & Impact
  • The EMPOWER NETWORK project holds profound significance as a pioneering and transformative initiative within the Jordanian academic landscape. Its impact extends beyond immediate outputs to create a sustainable ecosystem for change:
    • A National First: As the first project of its kind in Jordan, it broke new ground by creating a dedicated, structured platform to address the specific barriers faced by women in academic leadership.
    • Creation of a Support Ecosystem: The network provided a vital safe space for peer support, mentorship, and collective strategizing, crucial for combating isolation and building a powerful coalition for change.
    • Amplifying Voices and Changing Narratives: The “Portraits of Impact” compendium challenges stereotypes, provides relatable role models, and shifts the narrative around leadership in Jordanian higher education.
    • Catalyst for Institutional Reform: The project’s direct line to policy influence transitions the network from a discussion forum to an advocacy group, laying the groundwork for systemic, nationwide improvements.
    • Sustainable Legacy: The enduring network, published compendium, and ongoing policy dialogue ensure the initiative’s impact will continue to empower women leaders long after the project’s conclusion.

    Strengthened International Collaboration: The partnership with the University of Strathclyde facilitated a valuable exchange of global best practices, enriching the Jordanian context and building lasting bridges for future collaboration.

     

     

    Middle East University extends its gratitude to the British Council and the University of Strathclyde for their invaluable partnership in this transformative initiative

    • CONTACT US:

    For more information, please contact the International Collaboration Officer at the Center for International Programs at MEU: [email protected]