Educational Gender Gap in Jordan is as good as closed

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a true pioneer in the field of education: at 99%, the country has one of the highest literacy rates in the entire MENA region. 90% of girls have a primary school education; 80% graduate from high schools. The gender gap in education is therefore as good as closed and, effectively, Jordanian women have optimum prospects for entering the employment market. However, it is also a fact that just 14% of Jordanian women pursue gainful employment in the formal sector – that is the lowest employment rate among women across the region. The reasons for this are diverse: routes to work are often too long and transport links often poor. The gender pay gap is wide and there is a lack of flexible employment models and childcare offerings. Traditional perceived roles also often bar women’s entry and especially continuance in working life.

Generally, the economic and social opportunities are enormous: Though Jordan’s economy is still weak, a survey by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) shows that women’s economic participation could raise the gross domestic product by 21% – some 1.9 billion dollars. Which makes it all the more important to integrate women into the employment market and promote their social participation. Only this way can the country’s full economic potential be utilised.