How can Jordan increase female labour force participation?
This study evaluates recent policy reforms in Jordan aimed at increasing female labour force participation, including changes to maternity leave, childcare support, workplace nursery requirements, and early education provision. Using panel data and causal methods, it examines policy uptake and its impact on women’s employment outcomes.
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Avendano-Li-Assaad-Krafft-Policy-Brief-March-2026.pdf
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- Jordan’s female labour force participation rate (15% as of 2025) is very low.
- Low participation persists despite childcare and maternity leave social insurance policy reforms.
- Childcare operating hours are poorly aligned with women’s work schedules.
- Restrictive gender norms and a strong preference for family-based childcare limit women’s labour force participation and reduce uptake of formal childcare.