As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the All Jordan Youth Commission, the youth arm of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, hosted a pivotal seminar titled “Jordanian Women and Entrepreneurship.”
The event aimed to spotlight the growing role of Jordanian women in the national economy, sharing success stories and addressing the challenges female founders face.
A Surge in Participation and Government Backing
Engineer Raya Abu Samra of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship opened the session by affirming that empowering female entrepreneurs is a core pillar of Jordan’s digital and economic transformation strategy.
She revealed a significant leap in female participation in the country’s entrepreneurial landscape, with the proportion of women founders rising from 11% in 2023 to 20% in 2024. This growth is attributed to targeted government policies, along with dedicated support, training, and financing programs. Abu Samra highlighted that the Jordanian entrepreneurial ecosystem has become increasingly supportive, thanks to a proliferation of incubators, accelerators, and specialized university programs.
Overcoming Systemic Challenges
Despite the positive momentum, Abu Samra acknowledged the persistent obstacles that female entrepreneurs encounter. Key challenges include difficulties in accessing funding, the pressures of balancing family roles, and bureaucratic hurdles. She called for a united effort from all stakeholders to dismantle these barriers, emphasizing that the economic empowerment of women is a national imperative for achieving sustainable growth.
The Role of Self-Empowerment and Technology
Dr. Ammar Al-Rjoub, an academic and researcher in development and entrepreneurship, spoke on the concept of self-empowerment. He explained that entrepreneurship begins with self-belief and the initiative to drive change.
Dr. Al-Rjoub emphasized that technology has become the primary tool for women to achieve empowerment and access new markets. He noted that continuous investment in digital literacy and ongoing education is the most critical foundation for the success of female founders. He also advocated for expanding entrepreneurial training programs into the governorates and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors to build a comprehensive support system for women.
Legal Frameworks and Success Stories
Focusing on the legal landscape, Lawyer Maisam Abu Jazar highlighted significant progress in Jordanian legislation designed to enhance women’s economic participation. She pointed to advancements in labor laws, social security, and intellectual property protection as key enablers.
Abu Jazar also showcased the efforts of government and civil society organizations that provide free legal consultations and support to female entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of legal awareness in protecting and sustaining their ventures. She shared several success stories of Jordanian women who have founded distinguished projects in technology, education, and handicrafts, proving their capacity for innovation and leadership despite various challenges.
About All Jordan Youth Commission
The All Jordan Youth Commission is the youth arm of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development. It was established to promote youth participation in Jordan’s public life and to provide a platform for young people to engage in dialogue, develop their skills, and contribute to their communities through various programs and initiatives.
Source: Ammon News
