The seventh edition of the "Women On the Front Lines - Middle East and North Africa Chapter - Jordan 2025" conference, or WOFL MENA CHAPTER - JORDAN 2025
28 شباط 2025 11:26
Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Jafar Hassan, the Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and represented by Her Excellency Mrs. Wafa Bani Mustafa, the Minister of Social Development, the "Women On the Front Lines – Middle East and North Africa Region – Jordan" conference was inaugurated at the end of the month of February 2025. This marks the seventh edition of the WOFL – MENA Chapter – Jordan, organized by the May Chidiac Foundation (MCF) in Amman.
The conference, which aims to support and empower women to achieve lasting accomplishments that benefit society in all its aspects, was held at the Fairmont Hotel. It was attended by prominent figures from various fields, including politics, diplomacy, media, arts, economics, and modern technologies. During the conference, the stories of women, who have overcome obstacles, achieved remarkable success, and contributed creatively in various fields, were highlighted, with a special focus on the situation of women following the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Her Excellency Dr. May Chidiac, former Minister of State for Administrative Reforms in Lebanon and President and Founder of the MCF Foundation, opened the conference with a welcoming speech, in which she greeted the representative of the conference's patron and the attendees. She also expressed her gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his continued support of initiatives that elevate the status of women and help develop their potential, as well as to Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, who has been at the forefront of supporting the WOFL Jordan conference since its first edition in 2016. She also praised the resilience of women in facing the toughest challenges of war.
Her Excellency Dr. Chidiac said:
“Women are not only an integral part of society, but also the heartbeat that sustains it and the driving force that transforms it. Yet, despite all their vitality, women’s rights remain a contentious issue and a fundamental cause, sparking discussions to affirm their rightful entitlement.”
She added: "Despite all the tragedies and hardships, and despite the horrific war we endured in Gaza and between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a new hope emerged in the Middle East through strong women who faced these challenges with the fierceness of those who believe in the sanctity of the cause and the determination of those defending the right to self-determination."
Dr. Chidiac highlighted that the conference will focus on initiatives that underscore the critical importance of communities’ efforts to secure women’s rights, stressing that when we pursue the right path, regardless of how long the journey may be, justice will ultimately prevail, and destinies will be reshaped.
Mrs. Maha Al-Shair, Executive Board Member of the MCF Foundation and Chairwoman of the conference, then delivered her opening speech. She expressed her hope that the ceasefire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon would mark the beginning of lasting peace in a region weary from challenges.
She asserted that the goal of the conference is to ensure that the voices of all women are heard and their authentic selves are recognized. She underscored that a woman’s voice is her strength, and when women unite, they possess the power to ignite change that reverberates far beyond walls.
She also emphasized the crucial role of Jordanian women in achieving gender equality, highlighting their proven ability to make significant contributions to development, promote education and culture, and achieve notable successes across various fields.
Next, a speech was delivered on behalf of the conference patronage, His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan, by his representative, Her Excellency Mrs. Wafa Bani Mustafa, the Minister of Social Development. The speech included the following: “"We must always remember the role of the resilient and steadfast women who have been, and continue to be, a beacon of hope and peace. Today, as we stand with them, they not only require humanitarian aid and relief but also psychological support to heal their emotional and mental wounds caused by the immense losses resulting from this major aggression.”
She also stated: "the importance of supporting women, especially since I agree with Her Majesty the Queen’s courageous and strong stance, whom I admire proudly as a Jordanian before being a Minister—someone who believes in justice and equality, particularly when others were silent or hiding. So, I salute you, Madam, for being a pioneer on the frontlines!"
The activities of the WOFL MENA CHAPTER - JORDAN 2025 conference were diverse, focusing on the strength of women, particularly in the face of war. The conference featured discussions on unique and thought-provoking topics, such as peacebuilding, advocating for women and children's rights, reporting from conflict zones, the power of the pen and investigative journalism, women's leadership in artificial intelligence, and the impact of all forms of art. It also included interviews and panel discussions with pioneering women on the evolving role of women in society.
It is worth noting that during the conference, two reports were presented. The first focused on the journey of the May Chidiac Foundation (MCF) and its affiliate, the MCF Media Institute (MCF-MI), which has established a prominent presence after fifteen years. It has become a significant entity, successfully advancing its mission and vision dedicated to research, development, and education on issues such as peacebuilding and mediation, international affairs, democracy, women’s rights, and media.
The second report addressed the status of women worldwide, where their situation remains fluctuating between openness and the effort to keep pace with modern developments, while also enduring suffering due to conflicts, forced marginalization from fundamentalist movements, extremist regimes, and regressive mindsets.
The first panel discussion underscored the plight of women and children in Gaza, which represents one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world today. The discussion featured:
- Her Excellency Dr. Varsen Aghabekian, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in Palestine;
- Adele Khodr, Child Rights Advocate and Former Regional Director of UNICEF for the Middle East and North Africa;
- Arwa Damon, Former CNN Senior Correspondent and Founder of INARA. The session was moderated by media figure Ricardo Karam, CEO of RK Production and Executive Chairman of the TAKREEM Foundation.
The discussion addressed the deliberate targeting of women and children in Gaza during the October 7 war, emphasizing that women and children account for 70% of the victims of this systematic wave of violence, with the majority of Palestinian detainees under the age of 18 enduring severe abuse.
- Her Excellency Sigrid Kaag, Former Deputy Prime Minister and UN Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator in Gaza, said: “Humanitarian assistance is inevitably not the solution; rather, it is an expression of solidarity and support from the international community." She also emphasized that “"ultimately, all solutions must be political. In the meantime, we must all work together—not only the UN, but also international and national NGOs, foundations, and member states. We have to work as hard as we can to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza to make sure the aid reaches them and keep our eye on the ball that reconstruction, starting through early recovery, happens.”
The first fireside talk followed, featuring award-winning journalist Baria Alamuddin, who was interviewed by the chairperson of the WOFL - Jordan - 2025 conference, Former Journalist and Executive Board Member of the MCF Foundation, Maha Al-Shair.
Alamuddin drew from her extensive experience in journalism, discussing the challenges she faced throughout her career. She offered insights into the behind-the-scenes moments of her groundbreaking interviews and shared impactful stories from her reporting days. Reflecting on her childhood in Lebanon, she revealed a personal side of herself. Additionally, she shared her vision for the future of journalism, emphasizing its role in promoting truth, accountability, and democracy.
The next panel discussion was titled "Women Leading AI Innovations in Times of Crisis." It featured;
- Yasmin Al-Enazi from Saudi Arabia, ranked among the top 10 women shaping the global robotics industry according to IFR (International Federation of Robotics);
- Dr. Ayumi Moore Aoki from France, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech Global and Tech Diplomacy Forum;
- Dr. Vida Hamd, Head of Public Policy for the Maghreb and Sudan region and Leader of MENA Chapter Women at META, based in Dubai;
- Dr. Sally Hammoud, who holds a PhD in AI in Media & Conference, serves as Dean at AUST University in Lebanon, and is the Author of "Artificial Intelligence in Digital Reputation." The discussion was moderated by the author Chaker Khazaal, Executive Chairman of OBCIDO.
This panel was particularly important as it explored AI’s dual nature—how it’s used to amplify crises while also fostering dialogue and trust. AI’s transformative role in society was also examined: its applications in governance and its power to generate both progress and peril. The discussion emphasized AI’s role in reshaping the way we live and connect and how it can remain a force for good in an ever-evolving world.
Media figure Ricardo Karam then hosted the esteemed award-winning investigative journalist Rana Sabbagh, Editor-in-Chief for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a co-founder of the Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ), and a member of the OCCRP network.
Sabbagh shared her journey in investigative journalism, emphasizing the crucial role of reporting in promoting transparency and accountability, especially in challenging environments. The conversation highlighted the pivotal role of women in investigative journalism, particularly in uncovering critical truths across various fields, from politics to finance and economics. It also underscored how effective leadership in the media fosters ethical practices and empowers journalists to confront obstacles, while also emphasizing the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of the field.
The third panel discussion focused on the stories of resilience of female journalists reporting from conflict zones, featuring:
- Heba Akkilah, a Palestinian journalist and Al Jazeera Correspondent in Gaza;
- Darine El Helwe, Head of the Sky News Arabia Bureau in Beirut and Senior News Reporter;
- Carmen Joukhadar, Al Jazeera Correspondent in the Beirut Bureau, who was injured while covering the war in southern Lebanon;
- Jomana Karadsheh, CNN International Correspondent. The discussion was moderated by media figure Ricardo Karam.
This insightful discussion, moderated by media figure Ricardo Karam, centered on the coverage of wars and conflicts in the region since October 2023. The panel highlighted the speakers’ resilience, courage, and determination as they risked their lives to tell the stories that must be heard. These fearless women shared their personal experiences —from facing physical and emotional risks to elevating the voices of marginalized communities. This conversation emphasized the strength and resolve of women journalists who continue to stand firm in the pursuit of truth and justice.
The fourth panel discussion addressed creating art for a cause, featuring:
- Dana Barqawi, a Multidisciplinary Artist and Urban Planner;
- Zeyne Sajdi, Music Artist and Songwriter;
- Darin J. Sallam, Director and Writer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Talebox.
Moderated by author Chaker Khazaal, the discussion explored the powerful voices of female artists who bore witness to wars and conflicts. From impactful films to evocative songs, striking paintings, and poetry, the speakers shared how they have utilized creative mediums to document their experiences, resist oppression, and inspire global solidarity. The panel emphasized how art can not only capture the pain and resilience of a people but also challenge dominant narratives and catalyze meaningful change.
The "WOFL MENA CHAPTER- JORDAN 2025" conference, organized by the May Chidiac Foundation (MCF) in its seventh edition in Amman, concluded with the annual stars segment. The segment featured a conversation with:
- Saba Mubarak, the prominent Jordanian actress and producer, who has made a significant impact in the Arab entertainment world.
- The discussion was moderated by distinguished Jordanian media personalities Nadia Al-Zoubi and Rahaf Sawalha.
Saba Mubarak, whose career in the entertainment industry spans over twenty years, shared her experiences and insights from her journey in acting and production, discussing the evolution of the Arab entertainment industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities she faced, particularly as a woman in the field.
The conference featured a series of reports and presentations from various supporting institutions:
First, a report was displayed by Dar Al-Handasah, which tackled the empowerment of women and the enhancement of their capabilities within communities, drawing on the successful experience achieved in the company's organizational structure.
This was followed by a presentation by Dana Tamimi, Head of Change Management, Wellbeing, and DEI at HIKMA Pharmaceuticals, who emphasized the power of diversity and equality in strengthening the role of women in society.
Next, we had a quick dive into the world of corporate communications with Razan Al-Jabarat, Director of Corporate Communications at Royal Jordanian.
Then, Maha Dado, Chief Human Resources Officer at Jordan Ahli Bank, shared the bank’s efforts and experience in promoting gender diversity and inclusion.
The final presentation featured Ghada Saba, Founder and CEO of Saba Hamlet for Gender Equality, who highlighted the inspiring role of her organization in advancing women’s leadership positions.
As the eventful day drew to a close, attendees left the venue praising the cultural, intellectual, and creative richness of the discussions with the speakers, looking forward to the eighth edition of the "Women On the Front Lines" conference for the Middle East and North Africa, which is set to take place in Amman in 2026.
The conference, which aims to support and empower women to achieve lasting accomplishments that benefit society in all its aspects, was held at the Fairmont Hotel. It was attended by prominent figures from various fields, including politics, diplomacy, media, arts, economics, and modern technologies. During the conference, the stories of women, who have overcome obstacles, achieved remarkable success, and contributed creatively in various fields, were highlighted, with a special focus on the situation of women following the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Her Excellency Dr. May Chidiac, former Minister of State for Administrative Reforms in Lebanon and President and Founder of the MCF Foundation, opened the conference with a welcoming speech, in which she greeted the representative of the conference's patron and the attendees. She also expressed her gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his continued support of initiatives that elevate the status of women and help develop their potential, as well as to Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, who has been at the forefront of supporting the WOFL Jordan conference since its first edition in 2016. She also praised the resilience of women in facing the toughest challenges of war.
Her Excellency Dr. Chidiac said:
“Women are not only an integral part of society, but also the heartbeat that sustains it and the driving force that transforms it. Yet, despite all their vitality, women’s rights remain a contentious issue and a fundamental cause, sparking discussions to affirm their rightful entitlement.”
She added: "Despite all the tragedies and hardships, and despite the horrific war we endured in Gaza and between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a new hope emerged in the Middle East through strong women who faced these challenges with the fierceness of those who believe in the sanctity of the cause and the determination of those defending the right to self-determination."
Dr. Chidiac highlighted that the conference will focus on initiatives that underscore the critical importance of communities’ efforts to secure women’s rights, stressing that when we pursue the right path, regardless of how long the journey may be, justice will ultimately prevail, and destinies will be reshaped.
Mrs. Maha Al-Shair, Executive Board Member of the MCF Foundation and Chairwoman of the conference, then delivered her opening speech. She expressed her hope that the ceasefire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon would mark the beginning of lasting peace in a region weary from challenges.
She asserted that the goal of the conference is to ensure that the voices of all women are heard and their authentic selves are recognized. She underscored that a woman’s voice is her strength, and when women unite, they possess the power to ignite change that reverberates far beyond walls.
She also emphasized the crucial role of Jordanian women in achieving gender equality, highlighting their proven ability to make significant contributions to development, promote education and culture, and achieve notable successes across various fields.
Next, a speech was delivered on behalf of the conference patronage, His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan, by his representative, Her Excellency Mrs. Wafa Bani Mustafa, the Minister of Social Development. The speech included the following: “"We must always remember the role of the resilient and steadfast women who have been, and continue to be, a beacon of hope and peace. Today, as we stand with them, they not only require humanitarian aid and relief but also psychological support to heal their emotional and mental wounds caused by the immense losses resulting from this major aggression.”
She also stated: "the importance of supporting women, especially since I agree with Her Majesty the Queen’s courageous and strong stance, whom I admire proudly as a Jordanian before being a Minister—someone who believes in justice and equality, particularly when others were silent or hiding. So, I salute you, Madam, for being a pioneer on the frontlines!"
The activities of the WOFL MENA CHAPTER - JORDAN 2025 conference were diverse, focusing on the strength of women, particularly in the face of war. The conference featured discussions on unique and thought-provoking topics, such as peacebuilding, advocating for women and children's rights, reporting from conflict zones, the power of the pen and investigative journalism, women's leadership in artificial intelligence, and the impact of all forms of art. It also included interviews and panel discussions with pioneering women on the evolving role of women in society.
It is worth noting that during the conference, two reports were presented. The first focused on the journey of the May Chidiac Foundation (MCF) and its affiliate, the MCF Media Institute (MCF-MI), which has established a prominent presence after fifteen years. It has become a significant entity, successfully advancing its mission and vision dedicated to research, development, and education on issues such as peacebuilding and mediation, international affairs, democracy, women’s rights, and media.
The second report addressed the status of women worldwide, where their situation remains fluctuating between openness and the effort to keep pace with modern developments, while also enduring suffering due to conflicts, forced marginalization from fundamentalist movements, extremist regimes, and regressive mindsets.
The first panel discussion underscored the plight of women and children in Gaza, which represents one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world today. The discussion featured:
- Her Excellency Dr. Varsen Aghabekian, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in Palestine;
- Adele Khodr, Child Rights Advocate and Former Regional Director of UNICEF for the Middle East and North Africa;
- Arwa Damon, Former CNN Senior Correspondent and Founder of INARA. The session was moderated by media figure Ricardo Karam, CEO of RK Production and Executive Chairman of the TAKREEM Foundation.
The discussion addressed the deliberate targeting of women and children in Gaza during the October 7 war, emphasizing that women and children account for 70% of the victims of this systematic wave of violence, with the majority of Palestinian detainees under the age of 18 enduring severe abuse.
- Her Excellency Sigrid Kaag, Former Deputy Prime Minister and UN Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator in Gaza, said: “Humanitarian assistance is inevitably not the solution; rather, it is an expression of solidarity and support from the international community." She also emphasized that “"ultimately, all solutions must be political. In the meantime, we must all work together—not only the UN, but also international and national NGOs, foundations, and member states. We have to work as hard as we can to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza to make sure the aid reaches them and keep our eye on the ball that reconstruction, starting through early recovery, happens.”
The first fireside talk followed, featuring award-winning journalist Baria Alamuddin, who was interviewed by the chairperson of the WOFL - Jordan - 2025 conference, Former Journalist and Executive Board Member of the MCF Foundation, Maha Al-Shair.
Alamuddin drew from her extensive experience in journalism, discussing the challenges she faced throughout her career. She offered insights into the behind-the-scenes moments of her groundbreaking interviews and shared impactful stories from her reporting days. Reflecting on her childhood in Lebanon, she revealed a personal side of herself. Additionally, she shared her vision for the future of journalism, emphasizing its role in promoting truth, accountability, and democracy.
The next panel discussion was titled "Women Leading AI Innovations in Times of Crisis." It featured;
- Yasmin Al-Enazi from Saudi Arabia, ranked among the top 10 women shaping the global robotics industry according to IFR (International Federation of Robotics);
- Dr. Ayumi Moore Aoki from France, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech Global and Tech Diplomacy Forum;
- Dr. Vida Hamd, Head of Public Policy for the Maghreb and Sudan region and Leader of MENA Chapter Women at META, based in Dubai;
- Dr. Sally Hammoud, who holds a PhD in AI in Media & Conference, serves as Dean at AUST University in Lebanon, and is the Author of "Artificial Intelligence in Digital Reputation." The discussion was moderated by the author Chaker Khazaal, Executive Chairman of OBCIDO.
This panel was particularly important as it explored AI’s dual nature—how it’s used to amplify crises while also fostering dialogue and trust. AI’s transformative role in society was also examined: its applications in governance and its power to generate both progress and peril. The discussion emphasized AI’s role in reshaping the way we live and connect and how it can remain a force for good in an ever-evolving world.
Media figure Ricardo Karam then hosted the esteemed award-winning investigative journalist Rana Sabbagh, Editor-in-Chief for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a co-founder of the Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ), and a member of the OCCRP network.
Sabbagh shared her journey in investigative journalism, emphasizing the crucial role of reporting in promoting transparency and accountability, especially in challenging environments. The conversation highlighted the pivotal role of women in investigative journalism, particularly in uncovering critical truths across various fields, from politics to finance and economics. It also underscored how effective leadership in the media fosters ethical practices and empowers journalists to confront obstacles, while also emphasizing the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of the field.
The third panel discussion focused on the stories of resilience of female journalists reporting from conflict zones, featuring:
- Heba Akkilah, a Palestinian journalist and Al Jazeera Correspondent in Gaza;
- Darine El Helwe, Head of the Sky News Arabia Bureau in Beirut and Senior News Reporter;
- Carmen Joukhadar, Al Jazeera Correspondent in the Beirut Bureau, who was injured while covering the war in southern Lebanon;
- Jomana Karadsheh, CNN International Correspondent. The discussion was moderated by media figure Ricardo Karam.
This insightful discussion, moderated by media figure Ricardo Karam, centered on the coverage of wars and conflicts in the region since October 2023. The panel highlighted the speakers’ resilience, courage, and determination as they risked their lives to tell the stories that must be heard. These fearless women shared their personal experiences —from facing physical and emotional risks to elevating the voices of marginalized communities. This conversation emphasized the strength and resolve of women journalists who continue to stand firm in the pursuit of truth and justice.
The fourth panel discussion addressed creating art for a cause, featuring:
- Dana Barqawi, a Multidisciplinary Artist and Urban Planner;
- Zeyne Sajdi, Music Artist and Songwriter;
- Darin J. Sallam, Director and Writer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Talebox.
Moderated by author Chaker Khazaal, the discussion explored the powerful voices of female artists who bore witness to wars and conflicts. From impactful films to evocative songs, striking paintings, and poetry, the speakers shared how they have utilized creative mediums to document their experiences, resist oppression, and inspire global solidarity. The panel emphasized how art can not only capture the pain and resilience of a people but also challenge dominant narratives and catalyze meaningful change.
The "WOFL MENA CHAPTER- JORDAN 2025" conference, organized by the May Chidiac Foundation (MCF) in its seventh edition in Amman, concluded with the annual stars segment. The segment featured a conversation with:
- Saba Mubarak, the prominent Jordanian actress and producer, who has made a significant impact in the Arab entertainment world.
- The discussion was moderated by distinguished Jordanian media personalities Nadia Al-Zoubi and Rahaf Sawalha.
Saba Mubarak, whose career in the entertainment industry spans over twenty years, shared her experiences and insights from her journey in acting and production, discussing the evolution of the Arab entertainment industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities she faced, particularly as a woman in the field.
The conference featured a series of reports and presentations from various supporting institutions:
First, a report was displayed by Dar Al-Handasah, which tackled the empowerment of women and the enhancement of their capabilities within communities, drawing on the successful experience achieved in the company's organizational structure.
This was followed by a presentation by Dana Tamimi, Head of Change Management, Wellbeing, and DEI at HIKMA Pharmaceuticals, who emphasized the power of diversity and equality in strengthening the role of women in society.
Next, we had a quick dive into the world of corporate communications with Razan Al-Jabarat, Director of Corporate Communications at Royal Jordanian.
Then, Maha Dado, Chief Human Resources Officer at Jordan Ahli Bank, shared the bank’s efforts and experience in promoting gender diversity and inclusion.
The final presentation featured Ghada Saba, Founder and CEO of Saba Hamlet for Gender Equality, who highlighted the inspiring role of her organization in advancing women’s leadership positions.
As the eventful day drew to a close, attendees left the venue praising the cultural, intellectual, and creative richness of the discussions with the speakers, looking forward to the eighth edition of the "Women On the Front Lines" conference for the Middle East and North Africa, which is set to take place in Amman in 2026.