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The Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies, in collaboration with the Geography Department at the University's College of Arts, organized the symposium on "Urban Agriculture and its Role in Achieving Food Security," and Dr. Batoul Muheisen, the Center's Director, represented the President of Yarmouk University and sponsored its opening. The Deputy Director spoke. Dr. Mervat Mhairat heads the Greater Amman Municipality's City Health and Agricultural Affairs Department.
In her inaugural statement, Muheisen emphasized Yarmouk University's interest in diverse national concerns and eagerness to play a developmental role for our beloved motherland, citing urban agriculture as a key national development instrument for achieving food security.
She emphasized Yarmouk University's belief in the role of women in it, whether they are students, employees, or professors, as a symbol of development and giving, just as Jordanian women are throughout the country, noting that women, through urban agriculture and every development effort, will create the bright future that our country deserves in all fields, particularly food security, which is a national necessity.
For her part, Al-Mhairat explained during the symposium moderated by the Head of the Geography Department at the College of Arts, Dr. Khaled Hazaima, that Jordan has witnessed great urbanization in recent years, with the percentage of the urban population in 2021 reaching about 85% of the total population, pointing out that rapid urbanization has led to changes in land use patterns, with agricultural land near urban areas being converted into residential and industrial
She explained that the demand for food in densely populated urban areas has led to challenges in food supply chains, storage, and distribution, as urbanization affects the length and complexity of food supply chains, resulting in increased transportation costs, food waste, and decreased product freshness.
According to Al-Mhairat, urbanization has pushed city dwellers into urban agriculture, which involves small-scale agriculture such as rooftop gardens or communal gardening to supplement their food supply.
She cited many reasons for altering Amman's agricultural food system, including food security. The expanding population needs a flexible food system to assure a consistent and inexpensive food supply, while the second reason is economic development, in addition to sustainability, resilience, health and nutrition, community building, and environmental impact reduction.
Al Mhairat emphasized the importance of transforming the agricultural food system in Amman to ensure food security, economic growth, sustainability, resilience, and improve residents' health and nutrition, all while increasing a sense of community and reducing environmental impact.
She emphasized that Amman, the capital, can play a significant role in transforming the agricultural food system by implementing urban agricultural initiatives, establishing farmers' markets, enacting incentive policies for sustainable agriculture, developing infrastructure, implementing educational initiatives, and lowering waste.
She explained that the Greater Amman Municipality aims to increase green spaces in the city, improve solid waste management in collaboration with the private sector, use technology and innovation to improve urban agriculture systems, create job opportunities in organic agriculture, raise awareness of the importance of local food, and promote sustainable development.
At the end of the symposium, an extensive discussion took place on the topic of the symposium and its issues.
The Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies at Yarmouk University, in collaboration with the Lutheran Charitable Union in Jordan, has released a video on social media platforms to express solidarity with the women and children of Gaza.
The video conveyed a collection of solidarity telegrams from various individuals, including teaching and administrative staff, students at the Model School of Yarmouk University, and prominent women from the local community. These messages underscored the importance of putting women's and children's well-being first and offering them support, given their disproportionate impact from the ongoing aggression against Gaza.
Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaisen, the Director of the Center, emphasized the significance of social networking sites in our everyday lives. She highlighted the need to utilize these platforms for the dissemination of humanitarian and social messages, particularly given the current situation in Palestine and the Gaza Strip.
She stated that the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies aims to promote women's intellectual contributions in addressing national, regional, and international challenges. Additionally, it aims to foster a more favorable national dialogue regarding women and their concerns.
Dr. Islam Massad, Yarmouk University President, stated that the university strongly opposes the aggression in Gaza and aims to represent the voice of its students and staff through this video. Yarmouk University is committed to collaborating with its partners to establish a comprehensive and effective system to provide support to the people in Gaza, utilizing all available media and academic resources.
He emphasized the need to use social media and traditional media to enhance the comprehension of the Palestinian situation among young people, as well as to highlight the notable position of Jordan, led by His Majesty the King and His Highness the Crown Prince, in relation to Palestine. Massad acknowledged the efforts of the university's colleges and scientific institutes, such as the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies, to actively promote
the representation of Jordanian women and bolster their involvement in assisting their Palestinian sisters.
Established in 1947 AD, the Ministry of Social Development officially recognized the Lutheran Benevolent Union of Jordan as an independent, humanitarian, non-profit, non-governmental organization. Our organization aims to provide aid, protection, and long-term solutions to refugees worldwide. We also conduct training programs to raise awareness and promote social welfare. These programs include activities that provide psychological and social support, as well as opportunities for decent livelihoods.
To watch the video, follow the following link: https://www.facebook.com/PBCJWS/videos/243151782119758
A meeting took place between Ahmed Al-Safadi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and a group of female students from Yarmouk University. The meeting was attended by Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaisen, the director of the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women’s Studies.
Al-Safadi emphasized that the House of Representatives' final year will prioritize efforts to empower women and youth. He expressed gratitude for the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies at Yarmouk University and the female students who showcased the capabilities and influence of Jordanian women in the political arena through their content. These women have consistently demonstrated their competence and energy, proving their ability to shoulder responsibilities.
Dr. Al-Muhaisen stated that the House of Representatives highly values its legislative and oversight responsibilities. She emphasized that Jordanian women continue to be a top priority for King Abdullah II, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, and the Crown Prince. The monarchy's trust in Jordanian women necessitates their active involvement in political and party activities in order to have a significant presence in Parliament.
She emphasized that the center would persist in empowering female students in many fields, in accordance with the university's mission aligned with the aspirations of His Majesty the King, a source of pride for us.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives addressed a series of questions and concerns posed by female university students during the discussion. The Speaker emphasized the significance of these sessions in bolstering women's representation in the broader political landscape.
The Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women’s Studies, in collaboration with the We Rise Center for Sustainable Development and the College of Tourism and Hotels, hosted a dialogue session titled "Challenges and developmental requirements of youth in Irbid Governorate in the tourism sector." The session was attended by Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaisen, the Director of the Center; Dr. Akram Rawashdeh, the Dean of the College of Tourism and Hotels; and Mr. Amer Abu Dalu, the Director General of the We Rise Center.
At the start of the session, Al-Muhaisen greeted the participants at the Yarmouk University of Science and Knowledge, which is committed to contributing to national development. He emphasized that since its inception, Yarmouk University has been a prominent center of cultural and scientific excellence, and its students and alumni serve as a source of pride for us.
In today's session, she emphasized that selecting the tourism axis is a continuation of the royal endeavors to enhance the tourism sector and equip it with necessary resources. She highlighted that "Yarmouk”, and its College of Tourism and Hotels are at the forefront of innovative work in this domain, particularly due to the college's inclusion of proficient scientific expertise and unwavering dedication to advancing and serving this crucial sector.
According to Al-Muhaisen, the youth are a valuable resource for the nation's future success. He emphasizes the importance of engaging students in awareness sessions and collaborating with development institutions that organize impactful initiatives and activities. The goal is to identify challenges and problems and develop practical plans to address them, leading to a series of achievements.
Al-Rawashdeh emphasized the need for enhancing and promoting the participation of women in the tourism industry. He pointed out that working in tourism is not exclusive to any one group or gender.
He emphasized the importance of empowering young individuals in different domains, and it is our responsibility to equip them with the necessary knowledge and abilities to fulfill their role in the development of our nation. He also emphasized the importance that His Majesty King Abdullah II places on the tourism sector, which contributes 14% of the country's gross domestic product.
Al-Rawashdeh emphasized the need for consolidating efforts to promote the city of Irbid as a prominent destination on the Jordanian tourism landscape, considering its unique tourist environment abundant with attractions. The area includes five towns from the Roman Decapolis and around 500 villages, thereby promoting rural tourism in the region.
Abu Dalu stated that this session's organization aligns with the We Rise Center for Sustainable Development's vision of fostering collaboration and partnership with government and official entities. In 2018, patriotic and socially conscious young individuals established the We Rise Center for Sustainable Development, a civil society institution. Its primary objective is to increase youth engagement in political and economic spheres while also empowering them to shape the future through skill development.
The user expressed gratitude for the productive collaboration between Yarmouk University and civil society organizations in Irbid Governorate. They also highlighted the university's commitment to assisting students and offering them valuable experiences and expertise. The user mentioned that the current session is part of the Youth Council 21 project, which is an elected youth council in Irbid Governorate. The project aims to replicate the functions of elected councils and engage young individuals in local policy development.
He stated that the Youth Council 21 is currently working on three initiatives: the "Youth and Municipalities" initiative, the "Guide to Needs" initiative, and the "Lafta" initiative. The "Lafta" initiative aims to address the tourism challenges in the Koura and Northern Jordan Valley districts. This session was organized as part of the "Lafta" initiative's activities.
The session focused on the "Lafta" initiative, which aims to develop tourism in Tabaqat Fahal, Barqash, and Wadi Al-Rayyan. The presentation discussed the challenges faced in these areas, such as disputed basins, the absence of tourist offices, inadequate basic services and infrastructure, and limited media coverage. Additionally, the session addressed the issues faced by local residents and the desired outcomes of the initiative.
After the session ended, the participants engaged in a thorough discussion led by Dr. Tariq Al-Nasser, the Deputy Director of the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women’s Studies. The discussion revolved around various topics, including the current state of the tourism sector in the Northern Jordan Valley and Koura Districts, the key tourism opportunities and attractions in those areas, and the significant needs and challenges that they face.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, together with the Tourism Promotion Authority, assessed tourist attractions in those regions, explored strategies to boost domestic tourism in those areas, and analyzed young people's involvement in the development of tourism in their respective regions.
The start of the activities of the training workshop entitled "Creating Content for Social Media Pages," launched by the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies, implemented by the We Are All Jordan Youth Authority/Irbid, in cooperation with the Talal Abu Ghazaleh Group, with the follow-up of Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaisen/Director of the Center and Mr. Samer Marashdeh/Director of the Authority, presented by trainer Hamza Hammad from Abu Ghazaleh Group, and attended.
The program covers a variety of subjects, including the necessity of content production in the digital age as well as the consequences of the problems and possibilities that content creators confront. On the practical side, the session discusses different forms of content and how to create unique material that captivates the audience.
We Are All Jordan Youth Authority - Irbid
Talal Abu Ghazaleh Group
Dr. Rami Malkawi, Assistant President of Yarmouk University, opened the symposium "Solidarity of Jordanian Women with the Women of Palestine," which was organized by the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies at the university, and Dr. Reem Abu Dalbouh, facilitator of the National Center for Human Rights, spoke at it. Mrs. Amna Al-Zoubi is the president of the Jordanian Women's Union.
The symposium's title, according to Malkawi, is a remarkable and important one, and it represents a clear and steadfast entitlement from Jordan's leadership, government, and people to our brothers and sisters in beloved Palestine and Gaza. He emphasized that Yarmouk University, along with all its cadres and students, stands behind our leader, His Majesty King Abdullah, at this sensitive historical stage in our homeland's history. God is the Second, the owner of firm positions and insightful visions, supporting and supportive of his firm stances and tireless efforts in international and international forums to support the Palestinian cause and stop the aggression against the proud and steadfast Gaza, which demands the defense of the Palestinian cause and his constant call to stop the brutal aggression against the people of Gaza, as well as his tireless efforts through all international platforms.
He stated that the university is hosting a distinguished model of capable and distinguished Jordanian women who, alongside their sisters at Yarmouk University, support the women of Palestine and Gaza, emphasizing that the efforts of all Jordanian women continue to support the incredible feminist steadfastness of the educators of the generations in Palestine, including the mother and sister. The Palestinian girl works with men to protect the Palestinian cause, which is the main priority of Jordan's government and people.
In reply, Abu Dalbouh said that the Center has carefully monitored recent developments in the sisterly state of Palestine, particularly the Gaza Strip, as a consequence of Israeli airstrikes that began on October 7, 2023.
The Center formed a Board of Trustees as part of its practical efforts at regional and international levels to formulate firm human rights positions on the systematic violations of human rights against the brotherly Palestinian people, and their profound impact on undermining the concept of security, comprehensive peace, and stability in the Middle East and region, as well as their global ramifications. To coordinate its activities and implement human rights measures in compliance with regional and international human rights instruments, the Center convened an emergency meeting.
In the same context, Abu Dalbouh mentioned the center's participation in the Arab Network for National Institutions for Human Rights meeting, with the goal of coordinating efforts within the framework of joint human rights mechanisms to put an end to the Gaza Strip war and the gross human rights violations that accompany it.
She emphasized that the Palestinian issue is the most just issue on the planet and that it is Jordan's historical, pivotal, and primary issue, as evidenced by Jordan's efforts to defend the Palestinian issue at the international level, such as Hashemite custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Palestine, as well as Jordan's consultation with the Assembly. The United Nations General Assembly will make a decision on the separation wall via the International Court of Justice.
Abu Dalbouh pointed out that Jordan made proactive decisions and readings during the aggression against Gaza, as His Majesty the King rejected forced displacement, genocide, and displacement, all of which are things that the people of Gaza are currently witnessing and experiencing as a result of the Zionist aggression against them. His Majesty the King also absolutely denied discussing after Gaza, reiterating his opposition to Israeli policies there.
She praised Jordan's bold and courageous role in speaking out, as well as efforts to change global public opinion, especially given that the Zionist enemy has blatantly violated all human rights and international laws by murdering children, women, and the elderly, as well as attacking places of worship and journalists.
The head of the Zoabi Women's Union confirmed that Jordanian women have affirmed their solidarity and stood alongside Palestinian women since the beginning of the Zionist project in the region. As Jordanian women rose to defend the Palestinian territories, they carried out all types of struggle, including political ones, by implementing marches, vigils, and sit-ins in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, as well as the human rights struggle. It first emerged in 1975, after the relocation of West Bank residents and their experiences with tyranny, injustice, and disasters.
She added that the women of the Jordanian Women's Union attended the first meeting of the Committee on the Status of Women's Rights in Mexico in 1975, resulting in a human rights victory, given that the Zionist movement was a Nazi and apartheid movement that hampered progress in the Arab region, particularly among Palestinian women, and that it was approved for a long time until the region's power imbalance
Al-Zoubi evaluated Jordanian women's actions and stances, as well as their solidarity with Palestinian women, throughout the first and second intifadas, the present assault on Gaza, and the many phases of the Palestinian struggle.
She emphasized the importance of documenting all of the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people so that we do not forget all of the facts and can hold all those responsible accountable, as well as being fully aware of the media's ability to tip the scales and change global public opinion.
She said that the Women's Union chose to utilize international platforms; therefore, it developed an Arab women's network comprised of women's groups from throughout the Arab area with the purpose of conveying its image and voice to worldwide platforms, the first of which is the UN.
Al-Muhaisen emphasized that what may be required today is that we, in turn, as the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies, be part of Jordan and its wise Hashemite leadership in defending Palestine and providing humanitarian support to all groups that are exposed to aggressive behavior, apartheid, and genocide, which have become a clear symbol of the practices of the occupation army, and that through continuous scientific, research, and humanitarian
At the conclusion of the symposium, which was attended by a number of professors and administrative staff members from the institution as well as a group of its students, the two speakers responded to audience’s questions and inquiries.
Her Excellency Nofa bint Nasser, in the presence of Yarmouk University President Dr. Islam Massad, sponsored the university's conversation session titled "Palestinian Women: A Story of Resilience" in the Arar Amphitheater of the Conferences and Seminars Building.
The session opened with the recitation of Surat Al-Fatihah for the souls of Jordanian and Palestinian martyrs, as well as Arab and Islamic countries.
In her opening speech, Sharifa Nofa stated, "When we talk about the stories of women's steadfastness on the beloved land of Palestine in general and the Gaza Strip in particular, we speak with pride about the Palestinian woman of Gaza, as an icon of struggle and liberation," who painted the mural of victory, honor, pride, and national steadfastness with her pure blood and engraved the legend of victory and resistance on Gaza's gates. She, along with her sister, raised the banners of return and pride in the walls of Jerusalem, and with the ink of her soul, which with all honor wrote the immortal song of victory over the land of Gaza, and with her spirit clinging to the soil of the earth, lit the lamps of steadfastness and sacrifice carried by the angels of Gaza from its children in the fetuses and wombs of mothers.
She went on to say that discussing the tales of steadfastness and dads of Palestinian women makes us happy because we're talking about the gorgeous crown of the Palestinian cause: the mother who gave birth to fighters and martyrs and reared children with pride and dignity.
Sharifa Nofa examined images of the majesty of the Gazan Palestinian lady, the creator of men, the revolution, and the national battle, who helped to construct the Palestinian state. She was a symbol and model of giving, sacrifice, and redemption, pointing to the unprecedented situation that the Gaza Palestinian woman represents, with her steadfastness on the ground, to strike at its depths the roots of survival and struggle, to achieve victory and freedom, emphasizing that she is not like the women of the universe, as she is the patient fighter who believes in the justice of her cause, the educator of the Mujahideen, and the mighty mother who is no
She emphasized the Jordanian woman's stand with her sister in Gaza, supporting her steadfastness and healing her wounds, and stressed that Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah's voice is still resonating in the global conscience to put an end to the Zionist criminal war machine, standing in the trenches of truth, strongly defending the people of Gaza, and warning against the continuation of the aggression and its heinous crimes. She denounced it, pointing to Princess Salma bint Abdullah II accompanying an armed forces crew in the fifth airdrop of urgent medical materials and supplies, ensuring that the hospital could continue to provide all types of treatment and supplies to Gazans after the Zionist enemy destroyed all hospitals in Gaza.
For his part, Massad emphasized that this dialogue session is part of a series of Yarmouk University activitiesthat supportg the steadfastness of our people in the Gaza Strip, who are facing a war that has entered its third month without the Israeli war machine ceasing its crimes against innocent people, civilians, hospitals, places of worship, and everything else relevant to human life.
He said that this symposium is differentiated by recreating a key component of the Palestinian people's fight, in which women have a presence that cannot be ignored or denied, since the battle has been continuous for 75 years, from the Palestinian Nakba to the present.
Masad went on to say, "The record of the Palestinian national struggle is filled with the names of immortal women who left their clear mark on the path of this struggle, through their diligent and active participation in various fields, in order to achieve their full rights and enhance their participation, including education, health, law, economics, politics, and participation in decision-making," pointing out that Palestinian women have a prominent and significant role to play in the struggle.
He pointed out our pride as Jordanians in the steadfastness of Palestinian women, and pride in the positions of His Majesty King Abdullah II, who led and is leading an intense political, diplomatic and humanitarian movement to pressure Israel to stop the war on Gaza and allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and food supplies in a sustainable manner, just as we praise at the same time the positions of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah , whose efforts and meetings were an extension of the efforts of the country’s monarch and Her Majesty’s reference to the blatant double standards in the world and the “deafening silence” in the face of the ongoing war on Gaza, pointing out in the same context, to the efforts of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and his direct follow-up and supervision of Securing Jordanian aid to the strip. Massad also praised Her Highness Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, who helped the Royal Air Force deliver the fifth airdrop of critical medical supplies and resources to the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza.
Palestinian students in the International Student Care Department of the Deanship of Student Affairs produced a movie for the session that depicted the sacrifices and challenges faced by Palestinian women.
On a related level, students Raghad Azoum, Dima Abu Obaid, and Sally Youssef, female students of the Palestinian community studying at the university, confirmed during the session moderated by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Yara Al-Nimri, with the participation of the Director of the Center for Refugee, Displaced Persons, and Forced Migration Studies, Dr. Ruba Al-Aksh, the strength of the Palestinian woman in Gaza as a steadfast and patient woman who continues
They also recounted some of the stories of Palestinian women's steadfastness and resistance in Gaza, demonstrating that their strength and steadfastness are not a spur-of-the-moment event but rather an original building block in their generous personalities, despite the fact that they are among those most affected by Israel's brutal war on the Gaza Strip.
In collaboration with the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies and the Center for Studies of Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Forced Migration, foreign students from various university colleges participated in an art exhibition of drawings about Gaza and its people, as well as the blatant aggression they face, on the sidelines of the session.
The Deanship of Student Affairs, the Center for Studies of Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Forced Migration, and the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies co-organized this discourse session.
The Irbid Cultural Forum, in collaboration with the Women's Forum for Cultural Work, welcomed Her Excellency Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaisen, Director of the Princess Basma Center for Women's Studies at Yarmouk University, to discuss the role of women in party life. Mrs. Fayza Al-Zoubi, President of the Women's Forum for Cultural Work, detailed her electoral experience and political involvement in her welcome address. Al-Zoubi greeted the guests and participants, emphasizing the need to host such seminars to activate women's roles and engagement in partisan and political activities. She went on to say that women must assist their fellow women in elections in order to attain the aim of women's involvement in decision-making, and she emphasized the need for gaining experience and developing skills through party work.
According to Al-Muhaisen, Jordan has a long history of women's political engagement, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership roles. She emphasized the significance of increasing women's political engagement and providing them with the tools and support they require to succeed. She went on to say that society must help women overcome the hurdles to political involvement, which would lead to a more inclusive and democratic Jordan.
Al-Muhaisen emphasized the need to increase the number of women in parties, elected positions, and leadership roles, as well as assist women in developing the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Al-Muhaisen closed her statement by highlighting that women are decision-making partners, that they play an active role in party work that would be incomplete without them, and that their involvement is a national and moral responsibility.
Under the patronage of His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Khalaf Al-Hoshan, Mal and Aamal magazine held a solidarity stand entitled “Nashmayat of Jordan stands in solidarity with the women of Palestine.”
The General Director of the magazine, Mr. Yousef Al-Shawabkeh, welcomed the attendees, and Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaisen, Director of the Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women’s Studies, gave a speech in which she described the suffering of Palestinian women, especially in Gaza, and noted that the Jordanian support provided by the Hashemite Charitable Organization and our Jordanian Armed Forces is to the people in Gaza. It is another form of support for women and families.
A group of women representing the feminist sectors in Jordan also spoke, expressing feelings of great solidarity with the sons and daughters of Gaza and praising Jordan’s position in support of the Palestinian cause.
