Female representation in workforce key for economic growth — Shamali

AMMAN — The Economic Modernisation Vision has made increasing women's participation in labour market a key pillar to economic growth and is calling to improve the empowerment climate to promote women and young people's access to better jobs, notably in the fields of transport and logistics services, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yousef Shamali said on Tuesday.

During the launching event of the Amman Chamber of Commerce's Businesswomen Committee, Shamali said that women's participation in the workforce is still at 14 per cent, while the unemployment rate among females by the end of 2021 stood at 30.7 per cent, compared with 21.4 per cent among men.

He added that female bachelor’s degree holders accounted for 53 per cent. On the Women Business and the Law Index, Jordan scored 177, out of 190 countries, he said, attributing that to the gender wage gap in the private sector, as women may earn less than men for doing jobs of equal value.