ILO and UN Women Conclude Work4Women Program for Women's Economic Empowerment in Jordan

The program focused on capacity building, gender-sensitive policy development, and advocacy, creating a more inclusive environment for women's economic participation.

On August 29, 2024, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UN Women (UNW) hosted the closing event of the Joint Programme "Promoting Productive Employment and Decent Work for Women in Egypt, Jordan, and Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)" in Amman, Jordan. The event, held under the patronage of H.E. Maha Ali, Secretary General of the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), marked the culmination of a five-year initiative aimed at addressing the structural barriers women face in accessing decent work.

Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the "Work4Women" program, which ran from 2019 to 2023, engaged nearly 2.4 million beneficiaries across Egypt, Jordan, and OPT. The program focused on capacity building, gender-sensitive policy development, and advocacy, creating a more inclusive environment for women's economic participation.

In her opening remarks, ILO Jordan Country Coordinator Amal Mowafy emphasized the collaborative efforts that aligned Jordanian legislation with international standards, significantly advancing areas such as gender pay equity and the prevention of workplace violence and harassment.

UN Women Representative to Jordan Nicolas Burniat praised the program for making women's economic empowerment a national priority in Jordan, highlighting its alignment with the country's Economic Modernization Vision and National Strategy for Women.

The event also featured remarks from H.E. Khaled Alfanatsah, President of Jordan’s General Federation of Trade Unions, who underscored the vital role trade unions play in improving working conditions and empowering women in the workforce. Additionally, H.E. Maha Ali discussed recent legislative advancements in Jordan, including the introduction of flexible work arrangements and efforts to close the gender pay gap.

The closing event included panel discussions and an exhibition showcasing the program's achievements across various sectors, from business and leadership to sports and non-traditional industries. The exhibition provided an interactive platform for participants to engage with the initiatives that have driven women's economic empowerment in the region.

As the Joint Programme concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of strengthened partnerships and systemic changes that continue to advance gender equality and women's empowerment in the MENA region.