Held on June 5, 2025, the impactful conference on Anti-Oppressive Practice in Social Work at the German Jordanian University (GJU) brought together practitioners, researchers, and educators from across the Middle East to engage in critical dialogue around social justice, equity, and community transformation. The event explored foundational principles of anti-oppressive practice, strategies for community empowerment, region-specific practices across the Middle East, and the importance of intercultural and international collaboration in the field of social work.
GJU Online Symposium & Conference
Anti-Oppressive Practice Conference 2025
The speakers shared diverse perspectives grounded in real-world experiences and academic research. Nagham Adeeb Alead addressed the psychological and cultural complexities of ambiguous loss in families of the missing, drawing on Pauline Boss's theory to highlight therapeutic support for unresolved grief. Raghad Zayed examined the role of creative writing and Narrative Therapy in helping marginalized individuals reclaim their stories. Tasneem Abed Ahmad Sobeih introduced the "Yalla Netghayar" TV platform, which provides educational counselors and parents with mental health resources, trainings and interactive mental health content to strengthen community well-being and positive parenting. Deema Alhamdan shared insights from her volunteer work with vulnerable communities, emphasizing ethical challenges such as neutrality and dignity in aid distribution. Her team's initiative supported over 200 medical cases and launched income-generating projects for marginalized families. Sara Al-Hussien highlighted journaling as a therapeutic tool for processing trauma and promoting self-awareness at both individual and community levels. Bisan Abuhmaid offered a comparative look at clinical social work practices in Qatar and Jordan, emphasizing how cultural and political environments shape the application of social work theories in practice. Enas Ahmad AlShorman addressed integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) into social work, noting the contributions of institutions like the German Jordanian University in advancing sustainable development.
Specialized sessions further enriched the program: Reem Abu Kishik presented on arts-based therapeutic community work, Amira Qattan on data collection challenges within social work research, and Sara AlUtaibi with Mays Abdeen on the tension between charity-based and citizenship-based social protection.
The conference provided a powerful platform for regional exchange, knowledge-sharing, and critical reflection, strengthening collective commitment to ethical, inclusive, and transformative social change.
Anti-Oppressive Practice Conference 2024
On September 25-26, 2024, the GJU hosted the Anti-Oppressive Practice Conference in collaboration with the THWS and the Modern University for Business and Science (MUBS). The event brought together academics, practitioners, and students to engage in critical discussions on postcolonialism, mental health, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
The conference included enlightening presentations:
- Antonia Hendrick and Susan Young: Contemporary Applications of Postcolonialism in Social Practices
- Dr. Hayfaa Al-Kandari (Kuwait University): Working with Disability
- Mina Ghanim (GIZ): The Role of GIZ in Promoting Mental Health
- Sara Hussien: The Role of Hobbies in Self-Care
- Amal Hawari (MUBS): Child Protection
- Mr. Ali Fawaz: Syrian Refugee Children in Camps
- Noor Hamash: Conceptualizing Post-Displacement for Syrian Refugees in Jordan
- Raghad Zayed: Caregivers of Children with Mental Health Problems in Zaatari Refugee Camp
- Nagham Alead: Teacher Perspectives on Out-of-School Students
- Hanna AlBarazi: The Psychological Impact of Divorce on Children and Adolescents
The Anti-Oppressive Practice Conference successfully facilitated meaningful dialogues on pressing social issues, highlighting the importance of collaborative approaches to addressing systemic oppression. Participants left with a renewed commitment to implementing anti-oppressive practices in their respective fields and strengthening the role of academic institutions in advancing social justice and mental health advocacy. The event paved the way for future collaborations and research initiatives, inspiring attendees to continue working toward more inclusive and resilient communities.
