Hakoura for Research and Educational Programs
Welcomes You
Research, monitoring and evaluation
Education Programs
Action and policy studies
Hakoura for Research and Educational Programs Organization is a dynamic, feminism interdisciplinary institution dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of humanities, health, and social sciences. Based in the heart of Jordan, we are committed to making a positive impact on the world through research, education, and collaboration.
Our Mission and Contributions
At Hakoura, we have been at the forefront of various initiatives, including our active participation in the Inter Agency Working Group in emergency settings. We take pride in our partnerships with renowned organizations such as Cambridge Reproductive Health Consultants, the University of Ottawa, Women Deliver, United Nations Population Fund, UN Women, World Bank, With and for Girls Collective, The Evaluation Fund, and the World Health Organization. Together, we work towards creating lasting solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges, particularly in the realms of human rights and the defense of women's rights.
The Meaning of Hakoura
In Arabic, the name "Hakoura" refers to the plot of land connected to housing. It symbolizes not only a connection to the earth but also a rich heritage of self-sufficiency and community. The Hakoura is a place where fruitful trees are planted on a small scale, representing the independence and sustainability of food production. It is also a place to gather, sit, meet, talk, relax, think, and create ideas. Just as the Hakoura nurtures growth and creativity, Hakoura for Research and Education Programs aims to cultivate knowledge and innovation.
Our Vision: Building a Better Future with Justice and Empowerment
At Hakoura for Educational Programs, our mission is to pave the way towards a brighter future, driven by justice and the empowerment of women and girls. We are dedicated to achieving this vision through a multifaceted approach that encompasses research, capacity building, partnerships, and advocacy for change.
What We Do
1. Research Excellence: We are committed to advancing knowledge through rigorous research that addresses pressing issues related to gender equality and social justice. Our research initiatives are designed to shed light on critical areas and drive meaningful change.
2. Strengthening Research Capacity: To empower individuals and organizations, we offer comprehensive training programs that equip them with the skills and tools needed to conduct impactful research. By fostering research capacity, we contribute to informed decision-making and positive societal transformation.
3. Promoting Partnerships: Collaboration is at the heart of our work. We actively seek partnerships with like-minded organizations, institutions, and individuals who share our commitment to gender equality and justice. Together, we amplify our impact and drive systemic change.
4. Influencing Change: We are advocates for justice and champions of women's and girls' empowerment. Through our advocacy efforts, we work tirelessly to bring about policy changes, societal shifts, and a more equitable world for all.
Empowering Girls and Organizations
At Hakoura for Educational Programs, we believe in providing girls and organizations with the tools they need to reach their full potential. Our comprehensive range of initiatives includes:
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Leadership Opportunities: We create spaces where girls can develop leadership skills, build confidence, and become change-makers in their communities.
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Research Training: Through specialized programs, we empower individuals and organizations with the research tools and knowledge necessary to effect positive change.
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Fellowship Options: Our fellowship opportunities enable talented individuals to engage in transformative research and advocacy projects that contribute to our mission.
Together, we are committed to forging a more just, equitable, and empowered future for all, where women and girls can thrive and lead in every facet of society. Join us on this transformative journey towards a better world.
Research & Projects
Gender norms and child marriage
Child marriage, one of the primary manifestations of gender inequality, has been deeply analyzed through the lenses of social and gender norms. Recognizing the challenges individuals face when choosing to marry later, or when making such decisions for their offspring, it becomes evident that the influence of entrenched gender norms and patriarchal systems is profound. These societal constructs often hinder decisions, even when individuals believe that delaying marriage is beneficial. The patriarchal foundations prevalent in many marital systems necessitate an in-depth understanding of gender norms. This is crucial for both elucidating and combating this detrimental practice that adversely impacts countless girls worldwide.
One standout initiative addressing child marriage in the last decade is "Reviving Hope: Improving the Quality of Life for Young Wives in Jordan". Funded by the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund from 2020 to 2022, this program stands as a comprehensive effort targeting the challenges faced by girls married before 18, particularly in Jordan and the broader Arab region. With a focus on ensuring the educational, economic, and reproductive rights of girls negatively affected by early marriage, the initiative gives special attention to vulnerable demographics, including refugees and communities in both northern and southern Jordan. This is achieved by fostering strong collaborations with civil society groups and aligning with stakeholders from various governmental, local, and global entities. The ultimate objective is the enhancement of programs and policies safeguarding at-risk girls.
The "Reviving Hope" initiative operates in two distinct capacities. Firstly, it concentrates on equipping women who married before the age of 18 with the necessary tools and resources. Secondly, it collaborates closely with facilitating partners to streamline and amplify its impact.
This case study delves into the prevalence and types of gender-based violence, with a particular focus on cyber violence, experienced by individuals in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research aims to identify the primary online platforms where such violence is heightened, understand the societal and cultural factors influencing this trend, and offer insights and recommendations for addressing and mitigating online harassment and violence in the context of a global health crisis.
The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and data analysis. It draws on a sample of 700 participants, both male and female, distributed across various regions in Jordan. The findings shed light on the alarming rise in cyber-harassment targeting women and girls, with societal and cultural influences playing a significant role in this surge. Psychological and verbal harassment emerged as the most common forms, while online platforms, particularly social media, proved to be prevalent venues for such abuse.
Participants' responses revealed that many of them resorted to self-protective measures, such as blocking harassers on social media or messaging apps. However, the study highlights the reluctance of victims, often due to fear or cultural norms, to report these incidents or seek external support.
The research concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat cyber violence against women in Jordan, including policy measures, awareness campaigns, and support services. It underscores the importance of addressing this issue to ensure the safety and well-being of women and girls in online spaces during pandemics and beyond.
The project aims to build capacity and strengthen the workplace in the garment sector to improve SRHR related knowledge and behaviors related to menstrual hygiene, family planning, sexual harassments, unwanted pregnancy, and mental health issues.
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an intervention program designed to safeguard the well-being of young female students by addressing various forms of violence within their family, school, online, and community environments. This comprehensive program encompassed two distinct subprograms: "I Protect Myself," targeting the students themselves, and "My Community Protects Me," focusing on students' families and schools. Employing a semi-experimental approach, four schools located in the urban poor area in Amman were selected for participation. A random sample of 1,000 students from grades 7, 8, and 9 was drawn using a purposive method and divided into four groups:
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The first school received the "I Protect Myself" intervention.
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The second school received the "My Community Protects Me" intervention.
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The third school received both interventions.
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The fourth school served as a control group with no interventions.
Pre-test assessments were conducted to collect data on domestic, school, online, and community violence from the girls, their families, teachers, and mentors. Following the implementation of the protection program in the participating schools, a direct post-test was administered using the same assessment tools as the pre-test. A subsequent post-test was conducted nine months later on the student sample.
The evaluation outcomes revealed statistically significant differences between the mean values before and after the interventions in the three experimental schools, as well as statistically significant differences between the experimental schools and the control schools. The results indicated improvements in academic achievement, increased self-awareness, and enhanced confidence among students. Furthermore, the program contributed to heightened awareness among students' families regarding their challenges and a heightened sense of security within their homes and schools.
However, the program faced limitations in effectively addressing verbal violence and harassment experienced by students during their commute between home and school and in online interactions.
In conclusion, the study recommends a series of practical measures aimed at advancing programs to combat violence against young girls.
Keywords: Violence Prevention, Children, Female Pupils, Palestinian Refugees, Program Evaluation, UNRWA Schools, Jordan.
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Implementation of a study on early marriage of the Syrian female refugees and the hosting communities, in cooperation with Mayadeen El Ma’refa Foundation, funded by the Higher Population Council and the Danish KVINFO Foundation.
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Application of an intervention program in schools, community clinics, and local associations in cooperation with CRHC , Family and Childhood Protection Society (Jordan), funded by the Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund (2017-2019).
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In cooperation with Ottawa University (Canada), and funded by the World Health Organization, Hakoura participated in exploring the feasibility of collecting a core set of indicators for monitoring and evaluating sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) services and outcomes in humanitarian settings (2020).
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In cooperation with (CRHC), and funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Southern Jordan needs for sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services were assessed (2019-2020).
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Organization of campaign for Advocacy, documentation of experiences, and raising awareness on the services delivered to male and female adolescents, on reproductive health and gender-based violence in the humanitarian emergency conditions, in both Jordon and Lebanon, funded by the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives 2019-2020.
Hakoura- TMA partner
The TMA method is a powerful framework that bridges the gap between organizations and individual employees. This method acknowledges two crucial domains: the organizational domain, encompassing values, strategy, vision, goals, and objectives, commonly known as competency management, and the individual domain, which comprises talents, motivations, cognitive abilities, values, standards, skills, experience, and competencies, often referred to as talent management.
Understanding Competencies
Competencies encompass talents, motivations, skills, and abilities that manifest as observable behaviors contributing to both individual and organizational performance. Competency management primarily pertains to the organizational realm, empowering employers to establish clear and concise expectations for various roles. These expectations serve as valuable guidelines throughout recruitment, selection, performance evaluation, development, compensation, and benefits processes.
Exploring Talent Management
Talent management, on the other hand, centers on the individual domain. Throughout their life journeys and experiences, individuals naturally acquire talents, motivations, and strengths. These attributes influence their preferred behaviors, which can be identified, monitored, and harnessed for personal and professional growth.
The Six Dimensions of Talent
Within the TMA framework, talents are recognized across six distinct dimensions:
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Emotional Balance: The ability to maintain emotional stability and resilience, even in challenging situations.
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Motivation: The driving force that fuels an individual's commitment, determination, and enthusiasm.
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Social Talents: Proficiency in interpersonal interactions and effective communication with others.
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Influencing Talent: The capacity to persuade and inspire others to action.
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Leadership: The capability to guide and motivate a team toward shared goals.
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Organizational Talent: Skills and attributes conducive to success within an organizational context.
By identifying and nurturing talents in these dimensions, organizations and individuals alike can unlock their full potential and achieve greater success.
The TMA method provides a holistic approach that facilitates the alignment of organizational goals with individual strengths and aspirations, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship for all parties involved.
Contact Us
925354 Amman-Jordan
email: hakouraprograms@yahoo.com
X (twitter): @Hakouraprograms
+962 780325730