Jordanian Women

From cultivating crops in the field to managing the household, women in Jordan have always played an essential role in Jordanian society. Over the years, women's rights have been improving in the social, political, and economic spheres of the country but have been constrained by the socio-religious atmosphere prevalent in Jordanian society. Nevertheless, Jordanian women excel in the fields of health and education. Due to these improved education levels, Jordanian women gained higher freedoms of movement and active economic and political participation.

Jordan's constitution elaborates equal rights for education and employment for all citizens without discriminations based on gender, race, language, or religion. Women are free to seek employment in both the public and private entities; however, many face unequal wages and occupational segregation. With transportation limitations and high cost children care centers, it is often financially reasonable for women to remain at home. Therefore, the unemployment rate for women is significantly higher than men with the participation of women in the labor force at only 22 percent, versus 87 percent for men.