This report was compiled from the findings and case studies presented at a workshop held on 5-6 December 2004;; in Cairo Egypt. This report contains an overview on global trends and regional analyses;; implementing legislated quotas for women;; quota adopted by political parties;; methods on enhance women’s participation;; and the role of the international community and international instruments. The international IDEA had convened a series of regional workshops to gather qualitative data. The report also has 6 case studies about women’s participation and quota include comparative experiences with quotas;; address the culture challenges to women’s representation in the Arab world;; and point the opportunities that could be seized in order to meet those challenges.

This report provides an overview of the status of early childhood care and education (ECCE) in Jordan;; Lebanon;; Sudan;; and Syria. It examines the contextual factors influencing ECCE;; highlighting current policies;; challenges;; and strategies for improvement and expansion. The report underscores the paucity and limitations of available data. Findings show that ECCE services have improved but regional disparity and dominance of the private sector prevail. None of the four countries but Jordan has a full-fledged national strategy and policy on ECCE. Challenges identified include lack of qualified teachers;; societal misconceptions about the unique features of early childhood;; and lack of research-based studies. Innovative projects show that NGOs have been instrumental in addressing the needs of marginalized children.

This study aims to demonstrate the rights of disabled people stated by the legislator. The study shows the extent to which state and civil society institutions adhere to the implementation of applicable legislations related to people with disabilities.

This report explores the role of Small and Medium-Enterprises (SME);; as an agent for sustainable human development in Jordan. It analyzes SMEs and their contribution to human development using fours key central pillars of human development;; namely: economic growth that is equitable and pro-poor;; social progress;; participation and empowerment through micro finance;; and environmental sustainability. The report analyses the link between SMEs and empowerment or lack thereof;; with a specific focus on the two issues of employment;; as a tool for empowerment;; and the capacity of SMEs to enhance the position of women within the workforce and home. The report findings were based on extensive research;; a survey of 1;;500 firms and focus groups discussions conducted across the governorates of Jordan. The report proposed general recommendations in terms of institutional coordination;; exports;; cluster groups;; quality standard;; government monitoring;; tax law;; local development;; youth empowerment and the increase of minimum wage.

The report highlights the essential role played by micro;; small and medium enterprises in the promotion of human development in the country;; and through four main pillars;; namely economic growth;; that is inclusive and pro-poor;; social progress;; participation;; empowerment throw micro finance;; and environmental sustainability. The report consists of eight chapters dealing with: the concept of human development through small and medium enterprises;; human development in Jordan;; economic growth;; social progress;; empowerment;; the role of microfinance to empower less advantaged groups;; and a chapter on sustainable development.