The voice of female workers in private education in Jordan: secured rights and a better future of work

AMMAN, Jordan (ILO News)- My name is Maha Abu Malouh, and I’ve been a teacher in the private education sector for several years. I chose teaching out of love and passion, not just as a way to impart knowledge, but because I believe it’s a noble mission. However, throughout my career, I have faced numerous challenges, as any teacher in this sector might. But my experience in my last school was entirely different and significantly more difficult.

I was working in a private school, and although the teaching environment was initially encouraging, I began to notice some unlawful and unjust practices imposed on us as teachers. It started with our salaries. The school owner would make us receive our salaries from the bank, only to demand that we return a portion of it directly to him. We felt compelled to comply because we were unaware of our full rights, and our financial situation didn’t allow us to give up our source of income. Over time, these violations increased.

Then, the breaking point came in June 2018. We were waiting for our salaries as usual, but this time we didn’t receive them at all. We approached the school owner repeatedly, but he kept delaying us with empty promises - saying things like, "You'll get the salary next week" or "Next month." This went on for several months, and as the new school year approached, we still hadn’t received our dues.

I felt frustrated and wronged, unsure how to handle the situation. At that time, one of my colleagues advised me to reach out to the "Stand Up with the Teacher" campaign. I didn’t know much about the campaign at first, but my colleague explained that it aimed to defend the rights of teachers in the private sector, especially in relation to the unified contract, which ensures our rights under labour law.

I decided to research the campaign and contact them. I didn’t expect the level of support I would receive. The first thing they did was educate me about my rights as a teacher in the private sector. I wasn’t aware that there was a unified contract governing the relationship between the teacher and the school owner, and that I had the right to receive a copy of this contract upon starting the job, to ensure that my financial and moral rights were documented. The campaign team also taught me about the contract’s provisions regarding the minimum wage, overtime, and my rights to social security.

This was a turning point in my professional life. Through the "Stand Up with the Teacher" campaign, I learned things I hadn’t known about my rights. The most impactful part was learning how to negotiate. The campaign team provided me with training on how to use diplomacy and strength in negotiations and not to give up my rights. When I gained these new skills, I felt empowered to face any challenges in my work. I returned to the school owner and started negotiating with him based on the guidance I had received. For the first time, I felt I had the strength and confidence to reclaim what was rightfully mine. After several negotiation sessions, I was finally able to obtain my long-overdue salary. This wasn’t just a financial victory but a major personal and moral triumph.

I approached the school owner directly, confident in my newfound knowledge and backed by the campaign. I discussed my rights with him and explained the provisions of the unified contract that guaranteed my full salary, paid on time. Though I was anxious before the meeting, I knew I had legal backing and a strong support system. By the grace of God and the effort I put in, I was able to recover my salary within just one month.

But the change didn’t stop there. I continued my involvement with the "Stand Up with the Teacher" campaign and started participating in the campaign’s grassroots learning sessions. These sessions were unique, as there wasn’t a teacher or expert lecturing us, we were learning from each other. We shared our stories and experiences and learned from the situations we encountered daily as teachers. These sessions were transformative for me, as I began to see things from a different perspective. I learned a lot about power dynamics, oppression, and how to achieve justice and defend our rights.

Through these sessions, my personality transformed completely. I became stronger and more resilient, learning that I should never give up my rights, but in a diplomatic and calm manner.
Later, I joined the Irbid local team of the "Stand Up with the Teacher" campaign. Through this team, I participated in various activities and events aimed at supporting teachers' rights. In 2021, I took part in a protest organized by the campaign in front of the Ministry of Education, demanding the rights of teachers in private schools. I also participated in online campaigns organized by the campaign to raise awareness of teachers' issues.

Over time, I was elected as a member of the campaign's complaints committee, where I worked on receiving teachers' complaints and helping resolve them. After some time in the committee, I was elected as the coordinator for two years. Through this experience, I learned a lot about teachers' issues and rights, and I became capable of offering support and advice to teachers facing similar problems.

Today, I serve as the general coordinator for the "Stand Up with the Teacher" campaign. I am no longer just a teacher in the private sector, I have become an advocate for the rights of my fellow teachers. The campaign has not only changed my life but also empowered me to be a source of inspiration and support for others, helping improve the lives of teachers all across Jordan.
This experience has transformed me entirely, making me more determined to defend my rights and those of others. I now believe that change is possible if we work together and trust in our ability to make a difference.

Today, I feel like my professional life has changed completely. I am no longer that teacher who felt weak or afraid to confront her employer. Now, I am fully aware of my rights and know exactly how to protect myself and my colleagues from any potential violations. The "Stand Up with the Teacher" campaign was not just an awareness campaign for teachers; it was a turning point in my professional life. Now, I can stand confidently and resolutely in the face of any injustice, and I encourage every teacher to reach out to the campaign to learn about and defend their rights.