Taking action for women's rights in the workplace
One of the major issues facing women in Jordan is barriers to accessing the labour market, particularly violence and harassment in the workplace. In response, ActionAid Arab Region (AAAR) launched the Women Friendly Label (WFL) in 2022.
Funded by People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL) in the UK through ActionAid UK and implemented by local partner Al Hayat Center - RASED, the project aims to build capacity, raise awareness, and advocate for legislative reforms to advance gender equality.
The initiative also seeks to create incentives that enhance women's economic participation in Jordan. To achieve this, a new “label” will be introduced for private sector companies that meet the conditions of a safe and inclusive workplace.
Additionally, it is creating an enabling environment for the implementation of the ILO 190 convention (C190) on the elimination of violence and harassment in the workplace, which Jordan has not yet ratified.
Sudipta Kumar, Director of ActionAid Arab Region (AAAR), emphasises that “partnerships and collective action are the only path to sustainable and meaningful change.” This project exemplifies that principle by fostering collaboration across civil society organisations (CSOs), private enterprises, trade unions and academic institutions, while targeting NGOs, SMEs, employees, policymakers, trade unions and chambers of commerce.
Sessions in Jordan supported by People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL)
In November 2022, the project conducted three one-day sessions in Amman, Irbid and Al-Zarqa governorates, funded by PPL, with 148 attendees (27 men and 121 women), aiming to increase interest and knowledge among stakeholders about the WFL. Participants included representatives from government entities, private businesses, civil society organisations, young women activists and members of WCG.
Discussions focused on strategies to increase women’s workforce participation, prerequisites for a safe and enabling work environment, and the criteria for the WFL.
Some recommendations from these sessions included:
- Bridging the gap in wage equality
- Countering stereotypes about working women
- Establishing workplace nurseries and women’s bathrooms
- Preventing sexual harassment through measures such as using glass windows instead of concrete walls
By promoting gender equality in the workplace and supporting women’s increased participation in the workforce, the project aims to contribute to AAAR’s broader goals of inclusive growth and social progress – because one step forward leads to another in driving lasting, positive change.
