Jordanian Women: Inspiring Change, Strengthening Each Other

Story by: Abeer Allan and Bashar Al-Ja’abari

Creating Pathways into the Security Sector

As the first Arab woman to serve on a peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Sudan, Captain Rola Al-Shawabkeh has forged her own path in the security sector. “My Journey did not begin in Sudan; it started in Jordan,” shares Rola with a proud smile. “I worked in criminal investigations for five years, where I honed my communication and leadership skills, as well as developed a deeper understanding of cultural sensitivity. It was during this time that I demonstrated to my community that a woman could succeed and thrive in the security sector.”

“In 2016, a new chapter of my life started when I joined a peacekeeping mission in Darfur. The early days of my mission were not easy; I served in patrols. My job was to check on the conditions of displaced people and provide aid to those in need,” Rola explains. “It was challenging dealing with people coming from all walks of life. But as days passed, and the more I engaged with the community and my colleagues, I learned to navigate different cultures and embrace our differences. This experience was transformative; as it reflected the strength and adaptability of women being in a conflict zone,” Rola adds.

Rola sees her role in peacekeeping as a profound message to the community, through which she inspires other women and gives them confidence in their own abilities, “My goal is to achieve the highest ranks and support my female colleagues in joining these missions, contributing to a more inclusive and impactful community.”

Determined to be a player in peace

“External voices, safety concerns and the minimal female presence were all factors challenging my inner conviction: I can do this,” shares Captain Raeda Al-Najdawi as she looks back at her beginnings in 2007. “At that time, seeing women in the Public Security Directorate was rare. However, I come from a family with a long tradition of military service, and it became a childhood dream to join this sector – just like them.”

“When I began my journey in security, it quickly became clear to me that it was about far more than providing a service; it was about people – the people we serve, the people we work with and our community as a whole.” Raeda’s passion for her people and community fueled her work year after year, motivating her to go far beyond her initial mission in environmental protection, ultimately taking her all the way to South Soudan.

At a time where Jordanian women joining missions in conflict zones was rare, Raeda joined her first peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, “Being there is of great importance for spreading security, peace and reassurance among local women.”

Raeda’s voice carries determination and hope. For her, the steps taken by the Public Security Directorate toward gender inclusivity are not just symbolic but transformative. With a warm smile, she shares her aspirations, “I hope to see more women joining the field. It fills me with happiness to witness the directorate's commitment to empowering women, especially through the establishment of a dedicated unit to achieve this goal."

— Raeda Al-Najdawi

The Ripple Effect

“Looking back 17 years ago, when I first joined the security sector, female presence was not as visible as today. Despite this, my family’s support encouraged me to shape my journey in the field,” says Captain Marianna Haddad about her start with the Public Security Directorate.

“I worked in different areas, ranging from joining correctional and rehabilitation centers and serving in the tourist police to participating in peacekeeping missions in conflict zones. As I was doing my job, I made sure I attended workshops that would equip me with the skills needed to navigate the challenges that came with the work I do. Among the workshops I attended were the language and field-specific training sessions, conducted by the Public Security Directorate, which prepared me for my peacekeeping missions to Cyprus and Darfur,”  Marianna adds.

“Additionally, I attended many workshops conducted by UN Women, which focused on gender, refugee women and gender-based violence. This helped me tremendously in the field, as it enabled me to understand women of different backgrounds and the challenges they face, thereby supporting them in developing new skills to overcome those obstacles.”

Marianna’s vision aligns closely with the broader goals of the Public Security Directorate. “I am committed to empowering women in our community, inspiring them to take part in peacekeeping missions and actively engage in the security field,” Marinna explains.

Through UN Women’s JONAP II Pooled Fund project, in partnership with the Public Security Directorate (PSD), Jordan’s security sector is advancing gender-responsive approaches to policing and service delivery. This initiative strengthens women’s recruitment, retention and promotion within security agencies while enhancing the gender responsiveness of their services. Additionally, it supports PSD in preparing women for deployment in peacekeeping missions.

By increasing women's representation in leadership and operational roles, these efforts foster trust between communities and security actors, empowering women to actively engage in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Supported by Canada, Finland, Norway, France, Spain, Cyprus and the UK, the programme contributes to building a more inclusive and stable society where women play a vital role in achieving and sustaining peace.

UN Women works in strategic partnership with the Government of Jordan and security institutions to enhance women's participation in peacekeeping, security operations and crisis management, while driving the implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security II.