Vorstellung nationaler Chapter: Rasheed – Transparency Jordanien
Interview with Osama Al Azzam, Chair of Board Rasheed. “Rasheed” is an Arabic word that appeared in the oldest and most comprehensive dictionary in Arabic. Rasheed means rational decision or good governance. And Rasheed is the Name of TI’s chapter in Jordan.
How many people are working with Rasheed?
Rasheed is a small office; we have three permanent staff and recruit short term expertise. We are aspiring to include two additional staff by the end of 2017, which is in line with our new strategy.
What’s your personal motivation for your work against corruption?
Our motivation stems from our conviction that civil society has an active and positive role in working against corruption. In 2013, a number of activists met together in Amman and agreed that efforts against corruption must be amalgamated to amplify the voice of the citizen. We completed our registration process with Transparency International by 2013 and we will celebrate our 4th birthday in September 2017.
Currently, Jordan has to deal with lots of problems: war, refugees, decline of tourists, etc. Jordan ranks no. 57 in the CPI. Based on your experience, in which sector in Jordanian society is corruption worst?
All sectors are a priority, of course, but the space that interfaces the government and the private sector is particularly vulnerable. This space needs to be more transparent in order to encourage investments that are of paramount importance to b able to survive the financial and economic pressures from the refugee crisis and high levels of unemployment.
Can you explain which projects Rasheed are currently busy with?
Strengthening accountability is the compass that steer us at Rasheed. We approach this through three-pronged approach: (1) Evidence based research on integrity risks, and (2) collective action.
How are you working with other TI organization in the region? Are you working together closely?
Since our inception, Rasheed has developed a strong working relation with sister chapters in the region. Aman (TI-Palestine) is particularly an expert house that we elicit from. Considering the proximity, we often seek their advice of a myriad of issues. Moreover, we worked on exchanges with Transparency Morocco. We have also adapted tools developed by I-Watch (Tunisia) especially in campaign financing.
How is Rasheed organized financially? Where do you get your funds from?
Rasheed is now in the process of diversifying its funds. We are now funded by TI, USAID, the Embassy of the Netherlands, the British Council and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. Our 2017-2020 strategy aims at transferring Rasheed into greater financial sustainability.
What are your goals for the future?
We are aiming to be a recognized active and professional watchdog in Jordan.
Questions by Anja Schöne
Find out more about Rasheed here.
