Local Women in Jordan Benefit from Volunteering Program, Study Finds

A recent study conducted by Yale researchers, led by the anthropologist Catherine Panter-Brick, has shed light on the positive impact of volunteering programs on impoverished women in Jordan. The research, carried out in Amman, Jordan, focused on the empowerment and life satisfaction of Syrian refugee and Jordanian women from low-income households.

Utilizing fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM), the researchers delved into the perspectives of the women, exploring their views on empowerment, life satisfaction, and the benefits derived from participating in programs like We Love Reading. FCM allowed them to visually represent the complex relationships and causalities these women associated with volunteering.

In the sessions, the women outlined their definitions of empowerment and life satisfaction, emphasizing factors like self-confidence, financial stability, and social support. They also mapped out the connections between various aspects of their lives, such as education, mental health, and family dynamics, and their levels of empowerment and satisfaction.

The study revealed that variables such as family support, income, work, and marital dynamics significantly influenced the women’s perceptions of empowerment and life satisfaction. By simulating different scenarios using Mental Modeler, the researchers determined that factors like education, employment, and financial independence played crucial roles in enhancing these women’s well-being.

Participation in the We Love Reading program was found to have a particularly positive impact on the cultural and psychological empowerment of the women. The study highlighted how volunteering provided them with opportunities to engage with their communities, learn new skills, and expand their social networks, ultimately contributing to their overall sense of fulfillment and empowerment.

Lead by Panter-Brick, the study’s co-authors included researchers from Yale’s Conflict, Resilience and Health program, the MacMillan Center, Boston College, and the Hashemite University. The findings underscore the importance of understanding local perspectives in designing effective community-based programs that promote empowerment and well-being.