In a significant step toward empowering charitable and local associations as well as Jordanian civil society, four members of the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF) won elections for charitable and women’s associations. These elections were held for the first time under the new unions’ system issued in February 2024, with voter turnout reaching 93% for charitable associations and 100% for the women’s union, according to the Ministry of Social Development.
The elected JONAF members are:
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Farea’ Al-Masaeed, President of the Union of Charitable Associations, Mafraq Governorate
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Abla Al-Hajaya, President of the Women’s Union, Tafileh Governorate
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Kulthum Mareesh, President of the Women’s Union, Capital Governorate
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Abdel Ilah Al-Hunayti, Administrative Board Member, Amman
Their success underscores JONAF’s important role in supporting governance, strengthening civil society capacities, and shaping public policy.
Established in 2016 through a collaborative initiative by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), JONAF brings together non-governmental civil society organizations operating at both national and local levels. The forum collaborates with experts, media professionals, and activists across Jordan, recognizing the value of unified efforts, innovation, and resource-sharing in addressing complex challenges.
Al-Masaeed noted, “These elections mark a milestone in advancing the work of local and charitable associations and highlight the importance of synergy between civil society and official institutions in fostering local participation and enabling associations to respond to community needs.”
Al-Hajaya commented, “This victory is more than just a result—it reflects deep trust and genuine support from those around me.” She emphasized the need to enhance associations’ performance to improve the quality of social services.
Al-Hunayti stated, “True charitable work is based on solidarity. This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to everyone committed to serving the community and taking responsibility for progress.”
Mareesh stressed the importance of building knowledge and capacities to overcome challenges, and highlighted the need for cooperation between associations, unions, civil society, and government as key partners in achieving development goals.
Meanwhile, Rased, the election-monitoring center, recently called for reviewing nomination mechanisms, enhancing women’s representation in association and union administrative bodies, improving accessibility at polling centers for persons with disabilities, and building elected bodies’ governance and management capacities to ensure transparent and effective elections.
