Ziad Al Yasjeen

Ziad was part of the group who enrolled in the AH Edu. Kit Facilitation Skills Training) in Amman

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How did you find out about ANA HUNNA?

Through a workshop that introduced teachers to the ANA HUNNA methods held by the initiative Madrasati. I liked the idea very much.

When did you start working as a trainer?

Almost a year ago, as I wanted to help change some societal misconceptions regarding women empowerment.

What are the challenges you face?

One of the biggest challenges is the misconceptions ofour society thatlead to gender inequality.

Who is the target audience of the initiative?

Male students between 13 -17 and parents of some participants.

How can women empowerment inspire men?

We want to educate studentson the importance ofempowering women economically and break stereotypes such as a woman’s place is in her husband’s house, raising children.

Do you screen the ANA HUNNA films to support the initiative’s ideas?

Of course, screening the films is an essential part of the program because films have a strong influence on students’ perceptions. After the students watched The Tunisian movie, A Woman and A half, many supported the protagonist’s ambitions to work and take care of her little girl. They were convinced that women should rely on themselves and not expect help from anyone.

Are there any specific moments that have touched you while working?

I remember after the workshop has ended a boy said that hesupported women and that he knows many mothers who are responsible for their householdsand this isn’t a disadvantage, on the contrary, he encourages them to play an important role in society.

In general, about 50% of the students felt that women shouldn’t work. But by the end of the workshops, that changed and the positive interactions increased, which affected me greatly.

What are the goals you want to achieve through ANA HUNNA?

To guarantee that students have fully understood empowerment. Many students didn’t even know what the word meant. We explained to them that empowerment is to enable women to manage their own financials and to be granted many opportunities and different choices. We have also succeeded in clarifying the roles of both women and men and their equal rights intheir family and society.

Do you have any other goals?

I want to reach female students as well and expand the scope of the workshops for male and female participants.

What is the difference you have achieved on a personal and a professional level before and after you joined ANA HUNNA?

Before I joined the initiative, I had no prior knowledge ofsome concepts regarding women empowerment, but I now have a better understanding of it. On a professional level, I am now able to reconcile the educational role of the school with the demands of the local community.

I also got to know female success stories I didn’t know before. On a personal level, these stories inspire me and make me work passionately. The more I come across successful women, the more I’m sure I’m on the right track.

In your opinion, what makes ANA HUNNA different?

What makes the initiative unique is that it reinforces respect for women and their roles in society, and shows that their empowerment doesn’t conflict with any religious or cultural views.