Breaking barriers through green employment in Jordan

Jordan (ILO News) - In Jordan, where opportunities for vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities and women, are often limited, the Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) Phase VI project has proven to be a transformative initiative. Implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and funded by the German Government through KfW, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture under Jordan’s National Afforestation Programme, the pr oject not only promotes environmental sustainability with its goal of planting 10 million trees by 2030, but also fosters social inclusion and economic empowerment by creating green job opportunities for the most vulnerable. The following stories of Samah, Tahani, and Najwa illustrate how green employment can break down barriers, providing individuals with the tools to change their lives, contribute to society, and thrive in a sustainable future.

Samah’s journey

© Abdul Hameed Al Naseer/ILO

© Abdul Hameed Al Naseer/ILO

Samah’s story stands as a testament to resilience, inclusion, and the power of green jobs. Born blind, Samah faced continuous barriers in securing stable employment, despite holding a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and completing professional training in Training of Trainers (TOT) and plumbing. The job market often overlooked her abilities, making it difficult for her to support her family.

Her breakthrough came when Samah joined the EIIP Phase VI project, becoming part of a transformative effort that planted 120,000 trees and produced 340,000 saplings. Her role in the nursery provided her with financial stability, practical skills, and the confidence to take control of her future. With her earnings, she launched her own small business, selling phone charging cards from home, a long-held dream she never thought possible.

Samah’s journey exemplifies how just and inclusive green transitions can create life-changing opportunities for individuals facing employment challenges. By integrating persons with disabilities into sustainable jobs, the EIIP project not only contributes to Jordan’s environmental goals but also promotes economic empowerment and social inclusion. Samah's success story serves as a powerful reminder that when given the right opportunities, every individual has the potential to contribute meaningfully to society and build a future filled with hope and dignity.

Tahani’s journey

© Abdul Hameed Al Naseer/ILO

© Abdul Hameed Al Naseer/ILO

For Tahani, a Jordanian woman born blind, securing stable employment was an uphill battle. Despite her determination, opportunities were scarce, and societal perceptions of disability often stood in her way. That changed when Tahani joined the EIIP Phase VI project, finding a safe working environment while working in the agriculture nursery, where she contributed to planting 120,000 trees and generating 340,000 saplings, supporting both environmental sustainability and community resilience. But beyond the job itself, the experience transformed her sense of self.

"It’s not only about the financial support or proving that I can work the same tasks," Tahani reflects. "It’s also about the social impact on my mental health. I made new friends, engaged with workers for the first time, and found a sense of belonging and purpose."

Her participation in the project not only provided income but also paved the way for entrepreneurship. Motivated by her newfound confidence, Tahani applied for a small enterprise opportunity, received business training, and secured a grant to launch a home-based kitchen business. Her story is a testament to how inclusive green jobs can foster both economic empowerment and social integration, proving that a just and sustainable transition leaves no one behind.

Najwa's journey

© Directorate of Agriculture/ILO

© Directorate of Agriculture/ILO

In a rural village in Jordan, Najwa defied societal norms to become a leader in sustainable environmental efforts. Holding a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the Agriculture College, she stepped into an unconventional role – leading a team of 30 male workers in afforestation efforts. Her determination saw her successfully manage the planting of 40,000 trees, using innovative water-saving techniques vital for Jordan, one of the world’s most water-scarce countries.

With only 1% of Jordan’s land covered in forests, Najwan and her team adopted sustainable irrigation solutions, such as cocoon technology, contour lines, and treated wastewater, to ensure water efficiency while combating desertification, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. Her leadership contributed directly to Jordan’s National Afforestation Programme, an initiative aimed at combating climate change through large-scale tree planting and sustainable land management.

But Najwa’s journey did not stop there. After completing her semi-skilled job, she transitioned into entrepreneurship, receiving training and securing a grant to start a home-based food processing business. By drying and selling fruits and vegetables in the local market, she not only created a sustainable livelihood for her family but also strengthened local economic resilience.

Najwa’s story is a testament to how green jobs empower women to lead, innovate, and break through societal barriers, proving that women’s leadership in sustainability is essential for a just and resilient future.