In 2010, the Higher Population Council (HPC) created Share-Net Jordan(Online Demographic Research Database), it aims at providing a comprehensive database on studies and research in Arabic and English in the fields of population, development and reproductive health/family planning which experts, researchers, decision-makers, policy-makers, and service providers can benefit from and rely on for scientific evidence, facts and latest updates at the local, Arab, and international levels..

It was developed and renamed to Share-Net Jordan. Share-Net Jordan is a knowledge hub focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights (SRH & RR). In June 2014, Jordan was selected as the fourth focus country of Share-Net International. A preliminary visit was organized in April 2015. An initial scoping report was prepared and submitted in May 2015. The Higher Population Council and the King Hussein Foundation Information and
Research Center carried out an agenda setting exercise to identify a small number of themes around which research and other activities can be conducted in Jordan. The agenda setting exercise was carried out alongside a mapping of organizations that are active in the field of SRH&RR in Jordan. These themes are selected based on local priorities but also within the Dutch policy focus areas of Share-Net International. The resulting document identified strong partners and assessed a SRH & RR agenda for Share-Net Jordan. In-addition the document described the policy context of SRH&RR and the degree on interest of the government in pursuing the SRH&RR agenda. A core group consisting of local organizations and Share-Net International met in Jordan in October 2015. Together they developed a program document that describes the research priorities for SRH&RR in Jordan. Share-Net international has appointed Higher Population Council to host the platform in Jordan and perform the role of local secretariat.

HPC has an underlying commitment through its mandate to strengthen the capacity for reproductive health research in Jordan. This mandate is based on the recognition that research plays a crucial role in: the identification of sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights needs within communities, the generation of new knowledge for advocacy, identification and testing of priority prevention and sexual and reproductive health and best practices, the resolution of reproductive health problems through testing of interventions, the improvement of policy formulation through evidence-informed recommendations, the strengthening of service programs by applying research generated technologies and up-to-date practice guidelines, and decisions about the appropriate allocation of health resources with the overall aim of promoting the well-being of the community.

The intended impact of this knowledge hub is to encourage the sharing of knowledge and information in the field of SRH&RR and the translation of research into policy and practice, by supporting and advocating for an enabling environment for research development, implementation and uptake of knowledge that will inform reproductive health policies, practices and programs through an iterative cycle of evidence informed decision making (managing the research agenda, producing and synthesizing evidence, promoting use of evidence, decision making for policies and practice, SRH policies programs and practice) to improve the SRH and reproductive rights status of Jordanian citizens.

1. To create a dynamic online platform on SRH and reproductive rights in Jordan for all stakeholders in the sector
2. To facilitate knowledge generation and dissemination of SRH&RR issues both through online and offline engagement
3. To build capacity of key stakeholders on identified knowledge gaps on SRH&RR issues in Jordan

• Stimulate the sharing of existing knowledge among platform participants, the generation of new knowledge to address prioritized research area gaps.
• Translate knowledge into formats appropriate for intended audiences, so as to contribute to the application of knowledge in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights (SRH &RR) in line with the international reporting obligations to effectively inform on SDGs.
• Direct funding into SRH&RR priorities.
• Build synergies among different stakeholders, partners, projects and programs.
• Identify the most effective methods for facilitating uptake of evidence in policy and practice.
• Stimulate an informed national sexual and reproductive health reproductive rights policy debate.

Share-Net International (SNI) combines the expertise and strengths of Dutch organisations, Southern partners and key international actors working in the area of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights to achieve the SRHR and HIV related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In addition, the Platform encompasses national knowledge networks in seven countries: Bangladesh, Burundi, Jordan, the Netherlands, Colombia, Eithiopia and Burkina faso. These networks serve as conduits for situation assessments, defining research priorities, facilitating research participation by country institutions and hosting the local knowledge base/platform. They also stimulate the participation of key international partners and regional and national actors in SRHR, based in their countries.

Vision of SNI

 all people have the freedom of choice, are able to make informed decisions, can take action on their sexual and reproductive health and have access to quality care to meet their sexual and reproductive health needs and rights.

Mission of SNI

 To strengthen linkages between research, policy and practice through sharing, generating, translating and promoting the use of knowledge for the development of better policies and practices in SRHR.

Objectives of SNI

 Share-Net International aims to share existing knowledge, generate new knowledge to address prioritized research gaps, and translate knowledge into formats appropriate for intended audiences so as to contribute to the development of better policy and practice.

The Platform’s focus is on strengthening the role knowledge can play in developing evidence-based policies and practices and ensuring that resources are used strategically and to maximum effect, among others in relation to the four core areas of Dutch policy on SRHR:

• Better information and greater freedom of choice for young people about their sexuality
• Improved access to reproductive health commodities
• Better sexual and reproductive health care (during pregnancy and childbirth, including safe abortion)
• Greater respect for the sexual and reproductive rights of groups who are currently denied these rights.

For more information please visit share-netinternational.org