Gender Equality and Inclusion

Edmaaj conducted research for Al Hayat Center and the Forum of Federations to assess Jordanian women’s priorities and expectations of the 19th Parliament. The study aimed to capture women's views on parliamentary performance and legislative priorities, with a focus on economic and political empowerment. The findings supported the development of a policy paper used to inform national dialogue and gender-responsive policy advocacy.

Edmaaj applied a quantitative methodology, developing and implementing a survey with approximately 500 women across Jordan. The research was grounded in a comprehensive literature review on women's empowerment and designed to identify gaps in representation, key themes, and expectations for legislative action. To deepen the analysis, the team conducted key informant interviews (KIIs) with current and former women Members of Parliament and leaders from women-focused civil society organizations.

Edmaaj also organized focus group discussions (FGDs) with women leaders, municipal council members, and businesswomen to validate and contextualize the data. The final analysis highlighted specific policy demands and institutional reforms that women across Jordan view as essential for achieving meaningful political and economic inclusion.

Edmaaj developed a Gender-Sensitive Communication Strategy for Jordan’s Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs as part of the USAID Takamol Gender Program, implemented in partnership with Al-Hayat Center. The assignment aimed to enhance the Ministry’s ability to communicate more effectively and inclusively with diverse constituencies by integrating gender considerations into its messaging and public engagement.

Edmaaj applied qualitative methods to assess the Ministry’s existing communication practices and identify areas for improvement. This included key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, youth groups, media professionals, charitable associations, political parties, government employees, and political activists.

Insights from the consultation process informed the development of a practical and contextually grounded communication strategy that promotes inclusive political dialogue and advances gender equality in public discourse.

Edmaaj conducted a Rapid Care Analysis for Oxfam’s “WE CAN!” Programme in Ma’an Governorate, targeting Jordanian and Syrian refugee communities. The analysis aimed to measure the time women invest in unpaid care work and assess how care responsibilities affect their ability to participate in economic life. The activity contributed to Oxfam’s broader Women’s Economic Empowerment initiative focused on addressing structural barriers to women’s livelihood opportunities.

Using Oxfam’s care analysis framework, Edmaaj applied qualitative tools to capture gendered household dynamics and daily care responsibilities. The process included community engagement with women, men, and dependents from both host and refugee groups, generating detailed insights into how unpaid care work is distributed and perceived at the household level.

The findings highlighted the scale and impact of unpaid care work on women’s time and mobility, revealing critical links between caregiving burdens and limited economic participation. Results informed the programme’s advocacy and policy efforts, supporting the development of gender-responsive strategies to redistribute care work and improve women’s access to livelihoods.