Samar Dudin (born 24 December 1967) is a Jordanian educator, theatre artist, community organizer, and political leader. She is the Regional Director and Head of Programs at Ruwwad Al Tanmeya, a community development organization that focuses on youth empowerment, education, and civic engagement. In February 2024, she was appointed as the first woman to serve as Secretary General of the Jordanian Social Democratic Party (JSDP). Dudin's career combines theatre education with political activism, contributing to both cultural and political sectors in Jordan.
Samar Dudin
سمر دودين | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 24 December 1967 (age 57) |
| Education | Santa Clara University, California (B.A. in Theatre Arts) |
| Occupation(s) | Educator, Theatre Artist, Community Organizer, Political Leader |
| Spouse | Saed Karajah |
| Father | Marwan Dudin |
Early life and education
editSamar Dudin was born in 1967 in Amman, Jordan, to a Palestinian-Jordanian family. Her mother is from Gaza, and her father is from Hebron. She completed her secondary education in Jordan before pursuing higher education in the United States. Dudin obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Santa Clara University in California. Her academic background in theatre has informed much of her subsequent work, particularly in the fields of youth engagement and community organizing.
Personal life
editSamar Dudin is married to Sa’ed Karajah and has three daughters.
Career
editRuwwad Al Tanmeya
edit.jpg)
Samar Dudin is the Regional Director and Head of Programs at Ruwwad Al Tanmeya, a Jordan-based non-governmental organization focused on education, youth empowerment, and community support. Under her leadership, Ruwwad has developed several initiatives, including the "6 Minutes Safe Homes"[1] campaign, which empowers communities to address child safety through creative learning. These efforts emphasize the use of the arts as tools for personal and community development.[2][3][4][5]
Theatre and Education
editDudin is considered a pioneer in theatre education in Jordan, having directed and co-authored more than 17 plays that focus on youth and children’s issues.[6] Her participatory methodologies foster co-authorship and creative collaboration, using theatre as a medium to challenge social norms and advocate for justice. Her work has significantly impacted education reform, creating opportunities for Jordanian youth to express themselves through the arts.[7][8]
Political Career: Secretary General of the Jordanian Social Democratic Party
edit.jpg)
In February 2024, Samar Dudin was appointed Secretary General of the Jordanian Social Democratic Party (JSDP).[9] She is the first woman to hold this position in the party’s history.[10] Her tenure is focused on advocating for democratic reforms, social justice, and increased participation of youth and women in Jordan’s political processes. Her leadership within the party emphasizes addressing economic inequality, advancing women's rights, and expanding civil liberties.[11]
Leadership and advocacy vision
editDudin’s vision centers around creating an inclusive society where youth, women, and marginalized communities are actively engaged in shaping the country’s future. Her approach to leadership reflects a commitment to social justice, often merging educational reform with cultural activism. Through Ruwwad and her work in the Jordanian Social Democratic Party, she has helped empower countless individuals to challenge societal norms and advocate for change.[12]
References
edit- ^ "6 Minutes: Community Organizing in Amman, Jordan". HKS Case Program. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ "52 students graduate from Ruwwad community service programme". Jordan Times. 2015-11-29. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ "'165 children helped by initiative to end violence in East Amman schools'". Jordan Times. 2016-09-05. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ "Ruwwad celebrates graduation of 45 scholarship students". Jordan Times. 2016-12-04. Archived from the original on 2024-09-10. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ "Ruwwad Al Tanmeya NGO celebrates four years in Tafileh". Jordan Times. 2016-06-06. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ "مخرجة «نوع نادر من الحب» تتحدث عن تجربتها... دودين: العاطفة الصادقة في العمل المسرحي اهم من الافكار". alrainewspaper (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ "Samar DUDIN - Hay Festival". www.hayfestival.com. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ "سمر دودين الفن ليس فقط متعة للروح بل أداة تربوية". موقع عمان نت (in Arabic). 2019-07-23. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ "نبأ الأردن : وائل منسي يكتب: انتخاب سمر دودين: ضربة معلّم". نبأ الأردن. 2024-03-06. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ الأمير, أنس (2024-02-25). "سمر دودين أول امرأة تشغل منصب أمين عام للحزب الديمقراطي الاجتماعي". أخبار حياة (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ "تحالف التيار الديمقراطي يقيم مهرجاناً ختامياً لحملته الانتخابية في عمّان". جو 24. 2024-09-07. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ الأردنية (بترا), وكالة الأنباء. "حوارية حول مستقبل الأحزاب في الأردن". بترا -وكالة الأنباء الأردنية. Retrieved 2024-09-10.