For economic growth to succeed, women must be incorporated into equation

The 300 experts taking part in Jordan's National Economic Workshop are wrapping up the second round of hard work, hashing out plans for economic growth for Jordan. This workshop is of utmost importance as there is no doubt that Jordan is in grave need of job creation and economic growth, particularly as the pandemic and related socio-economic stressors continue to raise various red flags and grim outlooks.

A new economic plan is particularly important for Jordan, as it will help offset potential future drops in foreign assistance. The reliance on international assistance and support, particularly in relation to Jordan’s position as a host to hundreds of thousands of refugees, is unsustainable going into 11+ years of the Syrian crisis and navigating its impacts on Jordan. While drops in funding were expected as a natural progression of the conflict, there is a real concern that these will be accelerated by other humanitarian crises globally, including the Russia-Ukraine war, which may have heightened disruptive effects, including rises in food prices across the Middle East. Hopefully, the international community's commitment and recognition of Jordan's key contributions and role, globally and regionally, will ensure continued dialogue and sustained support for the Kingdom. 

As plans are hashed out, we should expect a high level of recognition of what have been real and evident impediments to growth since the start of the Syria crisis over a decade ago, and pragmatic plans to address them. Notably, amongst these impediments are women’s economic empowerment and participation in the economy, which, if effectively addressed, represents an opportunity for economic stimulation. The expertise and knowledge among the 300 experts will surely be able to pinpoint where and what is needed to make a significant shift in this area.

His Majesty King Abdullah provided his support and endorsement for their work, with a clear call for unswerving recommendations. Hopefully the plans will be produced and implemented in a manner that feeds into a clear vision that will revive the economy and its resilience, and in turn restore the public’s confidence, at this key juncture in the country’s history. And this includes replacing any reproduction of the lip service and general commitments of the past with effective and meaningful focus on women’s economic participation.  

When it comes to women’s participation in the economy, the power of vision cannot be underestimated, and the current moment requires just that: A courageous, inclusive, long-term vision. One that actively recognises that an effective strategy for the Kingdom’s economic growth must include the creation and implementation of socioeconomic development policies that challenge the norms, attitudes and institutional impediments to women’s full participation in the economy. His Majesty’s endorsement and backing of this strategic economic workshop further adds to the importance of the moment to reinvigorate debate and push forward with reforms across the different economic sectors. 

The case for women’s economic empowerment and participation in the labour force is well documented and researched nationally and globally. A recent global report by the World Bank ranks Jordan among the 14 countries with the weakest adoption and implementation of supportive systems for women’s economic empowerment. This is a significant red flag. Economic activity of women is 14.3 per cent compared to 53.1 per cent for men, and unemployment for women, which is at 30.2 per cent, is much higher than that of men at 21.2 per cent. The picture grows grimmer and more alarming when one considers that unemployment among university degree holders is at 27.7 per cent for men, and 82.1 per cent for women.

An available resource to draw on is the broad range of civil society efforts led by national and international organisations that focus on women economic empowerment. For CARE International in Jordan, this is a key part of our mission and strategy over decades of work in Jordan. Our experience has taught us that women in Jordan have untapped potential. We have seen time and again that economic empowerment and access to livelihood opportunities have had transformative effects on families and communities as economic empowerment unleashes leadership potency, nurtures ownership and agency and constructively challenges prevailing inequitable social norms and gender roles in order to transform them.

CARE’s programming promotes entrepreneurship, enhances employability and improves the environment for women’s economic participation. We are increasingly focused on and see value in more collaboration between different stakeholders around value chains, partnerships with the private sector, nurturing innovation, social entrepreneurship and leveraging emerging, promising sectors and markets. Entrepreneurial women are engaged in business development programmes that increase business skills, provide start-up capital and improve access to markets and mentorship.

For economic growth to truly succeed, including job creation, women must be incorporated into the equation as they represent a vital national reserve that has not been sufficiently tapped into. It is essential to proactively pursue a strategy that allows women to take on more diverse roles, and to see improved working conditions, including solid and responsive protection measures from harassment and violence at work, in the home and in public. This, in addition to clearer pathways to true leadership positions, are all essential to achieve the royal vision and future economic prospects for Jordan. This call is fair, is in line with recent constitutional amendments, and yet faces an unfortunate, uphill battle. One that requires all national and international stakeholders, and the people of Jordan themselves, to proactively work together to ensure a ripe environment for sustainable economic growth in the Kingdom, with women at the heart of it.

Ammar Abu Zayyad is CARE International in Jordan country director