A multi-agency UN project creates a safe and green public space for women in Jordan Valley

This design is part of the “The Socio-Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Women in Ghor Al Safi through Improving Access to Safe, inclusive and Green Public Spaces” project, funded by the United Nations COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi Partner Trust Fund, and was developed in collaboration with Turath Architecture and Urban Design Consultants.

The project, which will be implemented in partnership with the municipality of Southern Jordan Valley and Zaha Cultural Centre aims to enhance the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable women living in Ghor Al Safi through the creation of a safe and green public space and livelihood opportunities.

“This project builds on the extensive and worldwide experience of the UN-Habitat in improving public space as catalyst for developing sustainable and resilient livelihoods through nurturing social cohesion between hosts and displaced communities,” said Deema Abu Thiab, the National Programme Coordinator of UN-Habitat.

“It will foster local economic development that benefits women and their families and build skills in order to enhance the empowerment and self-reliance of vulnerable communities,” she added.

The public space design includes safe and inclusive play areas for children of all ages and children with disabilities, shaded seating areas, and a market space which will serve as a platform for the creation of livelihood opportunities for vulnerable women, in addition, to an area that is allocated for the implementation of sustainable agriculture methods such as permaculture.

Additionally, the design includes a rehabilitated and expanded multi-service community center within the public space, which will host the different social, cultural, and capacity building activities, including the tailored training on entrepreneurial skills and livelihood creation to empower women in the community to enhance their socioeconomic conditions.   

“The project aims to provide the enabling environment and tools that will assist women in Ghor Al Safi in achieving economic independence and sustainability in a safe and inclusive environment,” said Dr. Lubna Shaheen, the Project Manager at UN-Habitat.

This project seeks to unlock the transformative power of safe and green public spaces for strengthening livelihood opportunities and enhancing the socioeconomic empowerment of vulnerable women in Ghor Al Safi, which will aid in easing the household and financial tensions.

Accordingly, this design was developed through a participatory process that engaged the local community to ensure the development of a safe, inclusive, and accessible public space. This participatory process included community consultation sessions throughout the design development as well as a Public Space Site-Specific Assessment, which provides guidelines to achieve quality public spaces at the neighbourhood level.

This joint programme is possible thanks to the contributions to the UN Response and Recovery Fund by the governments of Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Republic of Korea, Finland, New Zealand, Croatia, Iceland, Thailand, Slovak Republic, and Cambodia.