On 18 January 2014, the first UNESCO and UN Women Joint Programme in Jordan will be launched in Umm el-Jimal under the patronage of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Antiquities.

UNESCO and UN Women joined efforts to develop a two-year programme entitled: ‘Empowering rural women in Mafraq Governorate through the management and preservation of the Umm el-Jimal’s archeological site in Jordan as income-generating activities’. This project brings together gender equality and culture to empower the local community of Umm el-Jimal, in the Mafraq Governorate, one of the poverty pockets in Jordan. It will support a group of women of Umm el-Jimal, enabling them to improve their livelihoods through the opportunities provided by the promotion and management of the archaeological site of Umm el-Jimal.

The launch event will be held in Umm el Jimal under the patronage of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Antiquities. Following a presentation of the project by UNESCO, UN-Women and the project partners, the event will provide a tour of Umm el-Jimal archaeological site to the attendees, followed by a reception hosted by the local women. The attendees will have the chance to meet the local community and try local traditional food, as well as get to know the archaeological heritage of Umm el-Jimal.

The event is organized in partnership with al Hima Foundation for the Protection of Jordan’s Natural and Human Heritage and The Umm el-Jimal Project.