🌿 Fawziya Al-‘Arroud – A Rural Leader from Ajloun Opening New Horizons for Social and Political Change for Women

🌿 Fawziya Al-‘Arroud – A Rural Leader from Ajloun Opening Horizons for Women’s Social and Political Change

From the village of Halawah in Ajloun Governorate, Fawziya Al-‘Arroud stands as one of Jordan’s most prominent rural female leaders. Her journey blends community work, municipal service, and political empowerment, leaving a clear impact on both the local and national levels. She serves as an inspiring example for rural women across the country.

📌 A Journey Rich with Dedication and Achievement Fawziya has served two consecutive terms on the municipal council, playing a pivotal role in representing women’s voices in local decision-making. She has also held positions such as Vice President of the Ideal Child Association and Vice President of the Loyalty to the Land Association. In addition, she has been an active coordinator in several national women’s networks, including:

• Jordanian Women’s Olive Oil Network – Ajloun Branch
• Nidaa for Democratic Women – Ajloun Branch
• Active member of the Social Democratic Party

💪 Empowering Women and Youth – Fawziya as Trainer and Facilitator Fawziya has stood out in empowering women and youth, working as a trainer and facilitator with international organizations—passing on her expertise and knowledge to local communities. She also volunteers with the Jordanian Environment Association – Ajloun Branch, and leads the Women’s Monitoring Team under the Princess Basma Center for Sustainable Development.

🧭 Strategic Support from the Change Agents Center A cornerstone of her journey in driving social and political change has been the support from the Change Agents Center for Sustainable Development. The center provided her with technical guidance and continuous training. Through her involvement in the “Rural Women’s Forum – Equal Movement,” founded by the Center in collaboration with Rural Ambassadors and Sawt Ajloun Community Radio, Fawziya expanded her perspective, sharpened her leadership skills, and strengthened her presence in decision-making spaces.

🗣️ The Forum as a Platform for Real Change Fawziya shares:

“I’m proud to belong to the Rural Women’s Forum. It gave me a safe umbrella to meet with decision-makers and discuss the challenges rural women face. It helped me break free from the confines of strict traditions and changed stereotypes, raising my political and social awareness, and offering space for thought and dialogue.”

She affirms the forum was a true opportunity to enhance women’s participation in decision-making and ensure fair representation in political and social arenas, emphasizing its role in proving the ability of rural women to lead and effect change in their communities.

🏆 Recognition and Honors Throughout her journey, Fawziya Al-‘Arroud has received over 10 honorary shields and 20 certificates of appreciation, reflecting her profound impact on boosting women’s social and political participation in rural Jordan. These accolades recognize her long-standing commitment to community service and women’s empowerment.

🌱 Empowerment through the Change Agents Center The sustainable empowerment she received from the Change Agents Center—through coaching and training—directly enhanced her leadership capabilities and amplified her impact. The Rural Women’s Forum provided her with a platform to gain visibility as a rural leader, which led to a stronger role in shaping women-centered policies.

🚀 Looking Ahead: Leading Change into the Future Today, Fawziya Al-‘Arroud embodies the rural female force driving change not only on a local scale but also nationally—demonstrating that rural women can lead, shape policy, and be true partners in Jordan’s political and social future.