While Jordanian women have achieved remarkable progress in education, their participation in the formal economy and entrepreneurship remains one of the lowest in the world, presenting a critical paradox for a nation striving for a modern, knowledge-based economy. A new report sheds light on the deep-seated challenges and proposes a comprehensive roadmap to unlock this vast, untapped potential.
By the Numbers
- 14%: The economic participation rate for Jordanian women, one of the lowest globally.
- 86%: The percentage of Jordanian women who are economically inactive.
- 31.4%: The unemployment rate among women in Jordan.
- 3.3%: The percentage of women aged 18-64 who have started a business, compared to 12.8% of men.
- 34%: The percentage of female business owners in Jordan who have a bank account.
The Paradox of Education vs. Opportunity
The data reveals a stark contradiction: despite a rapid increase in the educational attainment of Jordanian women, their participation in the workforce has actually declined over time. The report suggests this is not due to a lack of ambition, but rather a deteriorating structure of opportunities in the traditional job market. However, a bright spot has emerged in the digital economy, where Jordanian women have proven their ability to lead innovative tech startups and contribute to the country’s digital transformation.
The Challenges Facing Female Entrepreneurs
Women in Jordan face a series of structural and cultural barriers that limit their entrepreneurial journey. Key challenges include:
- Limited Access to Finance: With only a third of female business owners holding bank accounts, securing the necessary capital to start and scale a business remains a primary obstacle.
- Weak Supporting Infrastructure: A lack of adequate childcare services and a weak public transportation system create significant hurdles for women’s active participation.
- Societal and Cultural Norms: Cultural biases can restrict women from entering certain economic sectors and contribute to a high “fear of failure” that deters them from starting a business.
- The Digital Divide: Despite the spread of the internet, a gap remains in the productive and professional use of technology between genders.
A Roadmap for Empowerment
To address these challenges and truly empower Jordanian women in the digital economy, the report calls for a comprehensive ecosystem approach that integrates public policy, the private sector, and civil society. Proposed solutions include:
- Developing Dedicated Financing Programs: Establishing specialized funds for women-led digital projects and providing incentives for their businesses.
- Building Comprehensive Digital Skills: Launching national initiatives to train women in high-demand fields like artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and e-commerce.
- Legislative Review: Modernizing labor and social security laws to create a more flexible and women-friendly work environment.
- Building Digital Platforms and Networks: Creating dedicated platforms and networks that provide resources and facilitate the exchange of expertise among female entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead
The report concludes with a powerful message: supporting Jordanian women in the digital economy is not a social luxury, but an economic and human necessity. For Jordan to achieve its ambitious digital transformation goals, it must ensure that women are walking alongside, not behind, the march of progress. Innovation is incomplete without the voice of women, and entrepreneurship cannot flourish without their determination.
Source: Khaberni
