Gender Equality Partnerships

Darbna

Strengthening gender equity in Jordanian higher education through leadership development, mentorship, and evidence-based policy.

Since November 2024, Middle East University and the University of Bedfordshire are expanding the Female Higher Education Leadership Network to support hosted PhD candidates, build a Gender Mainstreaming Toolkit, and create a peer mentoring community for women in academia.

The project works to close the gender gap in higher education leadership by equipping female academics with practical tools, mentoring support, and evidence-based insights.

Core pillars: Toolkit, Mentorship, Action Research

Strategic partners across Jordan and the United Kingdom

Integrated gender mainstreaming framework in development

Project Overview

Darbna is designed to produce lasting institutional change through research, training, mentorship, and international collaboration.

The Darbna project works to close the gender gap in higher education leadership by equipping female academics with practical tools, mentoring support, and evidence-based insights. It is designed to produce lasting institutional change through research, training and collaboration.

Develop a Gender Mainstreaming Toolkit for higher education policy and practice.
Establish a peer mentoring programme to support women faculty and researchers.
Conduct action research that informs gender-responsive policy development.
Support hosted PhD candidates as part of the Female Higher Education Leadership Network.

Focus Areas

Darbna combines policy tools, mentoring, and research to support women in higher education.

Gender Mainstreaming Toolkit

Practical resources and guidelines for universities to embed gender equality into academic policies and daily operations.

Peer Mentoring Initiative

A supportive network empowering women to share experiences, strengthen leadership skills, and build academic confidence.

Action Research & Policy

Data-driven research shaped by women’s lived experiences, providing evidence for stronger, more inclusive higher education policies.

Wisdom Wave

Stories of women in academia, research, leadership, and life balance.

Wisdom Wave

Stories of women in academia, research, leadership, and life balance.

Wisdom Wave is a podcast that brings forward the stories of women in academia, focusing on career advancement, research, and life balance. It is a flagship component of Darbna, highlighting how meaningful mentorship and storytelling can shape more inclusive higher education environments.

Project Partners

Darbna is delivered through collaboration between MEU, the University of Bedfordshire, and the British Council.

Middle East University

Leading project coordination in Jordan and delivering capacity building for female academics.

University of Bedfordshire

Providing academic leadership expertise and collaborative support for the hosted PhD programme.

British Council

Funding the project and supporting international collaboration for gender equality in higher education.

Why Darbna Matters

Darbna strengthens institutional capacity by translating gender equality commitments into practical tools, mentoring structures, and research-informed action. The project supports women academics while helping universities build more inclusive and sustainable leadership pathways.