Co-CEO, Lead for Policy, Gender & Research
Areas of Expertise
- Gender and Social Policy
- Feminist Research & Methodology
- Women’s Political Participation
- Public Policy Analysis
- Social Research (Quantitative and Qualitative)
With over 40 years of leadership in gender equality, public policy, and social research, Dr. Amal Sabbagh is a distinguished consultant across the MENA region. Renowned for her expertise in women’s political participation, gender mainstreaming, and capacity building, Dr. Sabbagh has collaborated with international organizations, government agencies, and NGOs to effect lasting social change. As a former Secretary General of the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), she spearheaded policy reforms, secured amendments to anti-discrimination laws, and contributed to Jordan’s reports to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Her work includes pioneering training programs on feminist research, qualitative methodologies, and human rights, establishing her as a leading voice for social justice and gender equality across the Arab world.
Sabbagh Consulting comes up with results that are actually implementable. That is their strength compared to other consulting companies.
Proven Track Record
Dr. Sabbagh’s career as an independent consultant has shaped numerous high-impact projects across the Middle East and North Africa. Her recent collaborations highlight her approach to participatory and gender-sensitive methodologies, from policy frameworks to capacity-building training and gender assessments.
Key Professional Experience
2005 – Present: Independent Consultant
Dr. Sabbagh has led transformative projects for esteemed international organizations and regional NGOs:
- Education for Employment (Jordan): Co-led a comprehensive gender needs assessment, delivering capacity-building training and advancing EFE’s mission through strategic, gender-sensitive communications.
- Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW): Directed feminist research training for the “Youth for Equality” project.
- King Hussein Foundation (KHF-IRC): Provided expert training on advanced qualitative data analysis.
- JOHUD: Designed and implemented a modular training program in qualitative research methodologies.
- Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ): Conducted human rights training for journalists specializing in investigative reporting.
- King Khaled Foundation (Saudi Arabia): Authored a strategic framework to incorporate municipal election quotas.
- International IDEA (Sweden): Contributed chapters to landmark publications on women’s political representation in the Arab world.
- Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights (Sweden): Delivered human rights training for Arab women leaders.
Academic Contributions
Dr. Sabbagh’s teaching has empowered future leaders at renowned institutions, including:
- University of Jordan (Centre for Women’s Studies): Led postgraduate courses in qualitative research methodologies.
- University of Jordan (Centre for Strategic Studies): Taught on gender issues in humanitarian contexts.
- AMIDEAST (Study Abroad Program): Lectured on social policy and gender dynamics in the Arab world.
Previous Leadership Roles
1998 – 2005: Secretary General, Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW)
Dr. Sabbagh led national efforts to eliminate gender discrimination, drafting CEDAW reports and mainstreaming gender across government agencies and development plans.
1994 – 1997: Director General, Regional Centre on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (CARDNE)
As CARDNE’s inaugural CEO, Dr. Sabbagh worked closely with the FAO to implement programs on poverty alleviation, food security, and civil society mobilization in the Near East.
1981 – 1993: Ministry of Social Development (Jordan)
Dr. Sabbagh held multiple director-level positions, overseeing initiatives in rural development, women’s affairs, and social policy development, with a focus on planning, monitoring, and international collaboration.
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