Story Background

In Jordan’s arid rural areas, where water scarcity and climate change are daily realities, six young women from underserved communities have emerged as eco-journalists through a specialized initiative aimed at amplifying women’s voices in environmental advocacy. Under the mentorship of a seasoned female journalist, the participants underwent 12 structured training sessions in environmental reporting, multimedia storytelling, and community engagement. These sessions provided them with journalism skills as well as tools for leadership, resilience, and advocacy. The trainees have since produced impactful reports and multimedia content on critical issues such as water scarcity, climate resilience, and environmental justice. Their work has helped bridge the gap between local voices and national policymakers, contributing to more inclusive dialogue on water governance in Jordan. As part of their fieldwork, the group engaged with the Mayor of Azraq and community members to produce a visual report highlighting the role of 3Rs project interventions in mitigating flood risks. This hands-on experience demonstrated how empowered youth can play an active role in sustainable environmental solutions. Implemented under the project’s capacity-building component, this initiative strengthens gender inclusion and promotes youth leadership in the water and environmental sectors. It is a sustainable model of community-driven storytelling, where local voices influence national narratives and help shape a more resilient future. By equipping young women with the tools to advocate for their communities, the initiative is transforming individual lives and advancing the national conversation around environmental justice and water security.

Story Description

Six young women from Jordan’s rural heartlands have emerged as eco-journalists and environmental advocates through a targeted training initiative. Under the mentorship of a professional female journalist, they gained the skills to report on and document pressing environmental issues such as water scarcity and climate resilience. The participants produced investigative reports and multimedia content, shedding light on the lived experiences of communities and promoting environmental justice across local and national platforms.

Approach & Main Components

This initiative was implemented under the capacity building component of the larger project, aiming to strengthen the capabilities of ministry staff, local communities, and other stakeholders. The eco-journalist program involved 12 structured training sessions covering: - Environmental reporting and ethical journalism. - Multimedia content creation (video, audio, and visual storytelling) - Community engagement and policy advocacy This inclusive approach ensured that young rural women gained both technical skills and a platform to voice their concerns, effectively contributing to water governance dialogues.

Description of Sustainability Status

The sustainability of the initiative is rooted in the empowerment of the trainees, who now possess transferable skills and a strong foundation in environmental journalism. Their continued collaboration with local media outlets, community groups, and NGOs ensures the longevity of their impact beyond the project lifecycle.

Additional Information

As part of efforts to ensure sustainability, the trainees were supported in applying their skills through a field engagement with the Mayor of Azraq and local community members. This collaboration led to the production of a visual report highlighting the importance of the water harvesting techniques interventions in mitigating flood risks in the Azraq area. This direct interaction with local authorities and the community not only reinforced the trainees' role as environmental journalists but also demonstrated a sustainable model of community-driven storytelling that informs decision-making in the water sector.

Achievements & Impacts

- Gender Inclusion: The initiative has elevated the role of rural women in environmental dialogue and decision-making. - Youth Leadership: Enabled young women to emerge as credible voices in environmental advocacy. - Community Engagement: Strengthened local awareness and mobilization around water issues. - Policy Linkages: Created a communication bridge between local communities and decision-makers. - Media Production: High-quality reports and videos have gained traction, influencing public opinion and informing policy discussions.