What does leadership mean to young women and men in Jordan today—and how are they redefining it in the face of societal norms and challenges?
As part of the New Generation (GenG) program, ARDD conducted action research to explore youth perceptions of leadership, with a particular focus on gender dynamics, civic engagement, and the role of social capital.
The study reveals both persistent barriers and promising change. While traditional expectations continue to shape attitudes toward leadership, youth are increasingly emphasizing qualities such as empathy, inclusivity, cooperation, and ethical decision-making. The findings also highlight the importance of female role models, intergenerational dialogue, and civic participation as key drivers of more inclusive leadership.
This research contributes to the growing movement for gender justice and youth empowerment. It calls for new models of leadership that go beyond stereotypes, embrace diversity, and enable young women and men alike to play an active role in building fairer, more participatory, and more just societies.
