The European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) continues to support projects that aim to empower women and girls as key actors for addressing key challenges from security to sustainability and peace. On International Women’s Day, we want to highlight projects from around the world that showcase the EU’s ongoing commitment to sustainable peace and progress that includes the active political and social participation of all genders. On this day, we are reminded that this participation is not a given, but a process that must be actively maintained and critically assessed.
In October 2024, the Cultural Relations Platform organised Jordan Stitch, a capacity building and skills development programme for women fashion designers in the heart of Amman, Jordan. The programme brought together 20 Jordanian women fashion designers to provide them with essential tools and expertise to succeed in the competitive fashion market and to turn their creative visions into sustainable businesses. The programme provided comprehensive training that covered key aspects of fashion business development. From brand identity-building to sustainable practices, the curriculum was designed to address the specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. The Cultural Relations Platform also facilitated links between European fashion industry experts and Jordanian designers, creating valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and potential business connections. This cross-cultural exchange is an example of the EU’s commitment to strengthening international creative partnerships.
Looking ahead, the Jordan-Stitch programme represents a significant step in the EU’s ongoing efforts to empower women in creative industries across the Middle East. By providing targeted support to women fashion designers, the Cultural Relations Platform contributes to the development of a more inclusive and sustainable creative sector in Jordan, setting a model for similar initiatives across the region.