The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on all corners of Jordanian society. Economic participation of women in the Jordanian economy hovered at a mere 14.9% in March 2020, and post-pandemic statistics indicate that the effects of the pandemic will represent a significant step back for women in the workplace in Jordan.
As businesses resume near-normal operations and children return to schools, many women who were employed prior to the pandemic will find an uphill climb to returning to the labor market, and some will not return at all.
However, the effects of working from home, remote working, and flexible working schedules adopted by many organizations during and after the pandemic present an opportunity to access the market and jobs for many women and jobseekers to earn gainful income and careers while avoiding or overcoming certain barriers that prevented their access previously.
Amideast’s Skills to Careers Initiative, funded through support from the U.S. Department of State, is a two-year English language and professional skills development program specifically for women seeking to re-enter the job market in Jordan. Program training is conducted fully online and with live instructor-led sessions to maximize impact and provide opportunities to participate across the Kingdom.
The program also seeks to network women together and with leaders in the professional and business workplace through in person and virtual café chats and discussions on job opportunities, places to seek employment, mutually supportive networks, role models and success stories from peers.
For more information on the program, please contact Amideast’s Training Programs Officer, Ms. Therese ElShami.
