EMPOWER NETWORK

Empowering Women's Leadership in Higher Education — a British Council Gender Equality Partnerships project

Middle East University (MEU) has successfully concluded the groundbreaking "Empowering Women's Leadership in Higher Education" 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.

1st

Project of its kind in Jordan to address women's academic leadership

5

Key activities delivering lasting and sustainable impact

SDG 5

Aligned with Gender Equality — a core MEU commitment

Implemented by

Middle East University
Middle East University

Jordan — Project Lead

University of Strathclyde
University of Strathclyde

United Kingdom — Strategic Partner

British Council
British Council

Funder — Gender Equality Partnerships

Project Overview

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 EMPOWER NETWORK 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 Activities & Outcomes

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 — a peer-support platform facilitating strategic meetings chaired by MEU's President, Professor Salam Al-Mahadin, one of the few female university presidents in Jordan. Thematic meetings included:

  • Reflections on Female Leadership: A Safe Space to Talk
  • The Importance of Mentoring and Coaching: Electing Female Leader Mentors
  • Leadership Training for Female Academics
  • Joint Research Among Female Academics: Creating Opportunities
  • Advocacy and Policy Development in Higher Education: A Female Perspective

The network also hosted distinguished guests, including Hazel Mowbray, Deputy Head of Mission and Development Director at the British Embassy in Amman, for International Women's Day 2024.

3

Policy Advocacy & Institutional Influence

The network moved beyond discussion to identify critical systemic issues hindering women's advancement. It 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.

4

Publication of the "Portraits of Impact" Compendium

This powerful publication — 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, barrier-breaking, and transformative leadership to inspire future generations.

5

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

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.

A Support Ecosystem

The network provided a vital safe space for peer support, mentorship, and collective strategising — crucial for combating isolation and building a powerful coalition for change.

Amplifying Voices

The "Portraits of Impact" compendium challenges stereotypes, provides relatable role models, and shifts the narrative around leadership in Jordanian higher education.

Catalyst for 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.

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 sincere 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]