Towards a fairer workplace: The fight to end gender-based discrimination in Jordan’s labour market

Jordan’s National Committee on Pay Equity and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are working together to tackle gender-based discrimination in the workplace, where women often receive less wages and benefits than their male counterparts for carrying out the same job. Some of these women have decided to share their experiences in the workplace.

Presentation | 07 October 2015
In many countries around the world, multiple forms of discrimination and other structural barriers prevent women from participating in the labour market on an equal footing with men, including low salaries, limited opportunities for reaching leadership positions and inadequate child care.

In Jordan, women’s jobs and qualifications can also remain undervalued due to stereotypes and prejudices, social and cultural norms designating men as breadwinners and women as homemakers. The absence of effective legislation and regulations, a lack of familiarity with women’s rights, and women’s weak representation and bargaining power all contribute to undervaluing women’s contribution to the labour market.

The problem is particularly prevalent in Jordanian private schools, where the gender pay gap reaches an average of 41.6 per cent.