- 24 Dec 2024
Women are a driving force in Jordan’s entrepreneurial landscape, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and innovation across diverse sectors. Their participation spans fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), green and blue economies, and creative industries linked to the orange and purple economies. Women are also leading efforts in sustainable tourism, blending cultural preservation with economic growth. However, systemic challenges such as limited funding, societal expectations, and mentorship gaps hinder their full potential. Despite these barriers, Jordanian women continue to excel, showcasing resilience, creativity, and determination in their ventures.
Policy Insights: Bridging Gaps in Support
Jordan’s policies increasingly recognize the importance of women’s economic empowerment. The National Entrepreneurship Policy (2021–2027) and the Economic Modernization Vision 2033 emphasize inclusivity and skill development but require more targeted measures to meet the unique needs of female entrepreneurs.
Complementing these efforts, the National Strategy for Women in Jordan (2020–2025) prioritizes eliminating gender-based discrimination and aligning women’s skills with economic opportunities. Similarly, the Women’s Economic Empowerment Action Plan (2019–2024) sets ambitious goals, such as increasing women’s workforce participation to 24% by 2025, while addressing systemic issues like workplace equality and financial inclusion.
These frameworks, along with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2018–2020), aim to improve women’s access to resources and financial services essential for entrepreneurial growth. However, gaps remain, particularly in ensuring gender-sensitive financing models, equal access to accelerators, and targeted mentorship initiatives.
Women in Emerging Economies and Key Sectors
Female entrepreneurs in Jordan are making significant contributions to industries that align with global sustainability goals and national priorities:
- AI and Technology: Women are leveraging AI to drive innovation in healthcare, logistics, and education, breaking into traditionally male-dominated industries.
- Green and Blue Economies: Women-led ventures in eco-friendly businesses and marine conservation showcase the role of female entrepreneurs in sustainability-focused sectors.
Orange and Purple Economies: Female entrepreneurs are preserving Jordanian culture through creative industries.
Women-Led Success Stories
One standout program is the Entrepreneurship Champions Project, implemented by Leaders International in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, which provides mentorship and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs. The project resulted in 3 out of 8 entrepreneurship ambassadors being women, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted support in addressing systemic barriers. These ambassadors now serve as role models, inspiring more women to enter leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Empowering Women through Targeted Projects
One standout program is the Entrepreneurship Champions Project, implemented by Leaders International in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, which provides mentorship and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs. The project resulted in 3 out of 8 entrepreneurship ambassadors being women, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted support in addressing systemic barriers. These ambassadors now serve as role models, inspiring more women to enter leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Challenges Facing Women Entrepreneurs
Despite their accomplishments, women entrepreneurs in Jordan face persistent challenges:
- Limited Access to Funding: Women-led ventures often struggle to secure financing, with many investors underestimating their potential.
- Cultural Expectations: Societal norms discourage women from pursuing entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas.
- Networking and Mentorship Gaps: Female entrepreneurs often lack access to professional networks that are essential for business growth.
Digital Skills Gap: Many women lack training in emerging technologies, limiting their ability to scale businesses in tech-driven industries.
Creating a Supportive Ecosystem
To address these challenges, Jordan must build a more inclusive ecosystem using the following recommendations:
- Targeted Financial Programs
- Comprehensive Mentorship Initiatives
- Gender-Sensitive Policies
- Upskilling in Emerging Fields
Women entrepreneurs are pivotal to Jordan’s economic resilience and cultural preservation. By participating in sectors like AI, sustainable tourism, and creative industries, they are shaping the future of Jordan’s economy while addressing global sustainability goals. Programs like the Entrepreneurship Champions Project demonstrate the transformative power of targeted interventions in empowering women to lead.
However, achieving gender equity in entrepreneurship requires collaboration between policymakers, the private sector, and international organizations. By addressing existing barriers and implementing inclusive policies, Jordan can unlock the full potential of its female entrepreneurs, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for all.