Report reveals labour abuses, barriers limiting women’s economic role in Jordan

AMMAN — As the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8, a new report by Tamkeen for Legal Aid and Human Rights highlights the ongoing struggles of women in Jordan’s workforce, revealing widespread labour rights violations, wage disparities, and exploitative conditions.

Tamkeen documented 202 labour complaints filed by women in 2024, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing labour protections and the structural and cultural barriers limiting women’s economic participation.

“Despite high levels of education, women in Jordan continue to face significant obstacles in securing and maintaining employment,” the report said. Official statistics show that female labour force participation remains alarmingly low at 14.9 per cent, compared with 53.4 per cent among men. Meanwhile, unemployment among women stands at 32.9 per cent, surpassing regional averages. “While Jordanian women continue to excel in education, these achievements have not translated into increased economic engagement, reflecting deeper systemic challenges,” the report noted.

Tamkeen’s findings paint a troubling picture. Women over the age of 35 accounted for the majority of cases, with 136 complaints (67.3 per cent), indicating that older women are particularly vulnerable to exploitation due to limited job opportunities. Another 62 complaints were filed by younger women aged 18 to 35, while four complaints involved minors under 16, raising concerns about child labour and exploitation. The highest number of complaints came from Amman (154 cases), followed by Irbid, Zarqa, and Mafraq. Smaller numbers were reported in governorates such as Karak, Aqaba, Salt, and Madaba.

While Jordanian women made up 57 cases, a significant portion of the complaints were filed by migrant workers, particularly those in the domestic work sector. Ethiopian workers accounted for 40 complaints, while Filipinas and Ghanaians each reported 23 cases, and Ugandans filed 19. An additional 27 complaints came from workers of other nationalities, including Egyptians, Palestinians, Syrians, Kenyans, Nepalis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, and Indonesians. 

The domestic work sector was the most affected, with 119 cases—nearly 60 per cent of all complaints—making it the leading industry for reported violations. Other cases were reported in beauty salons, manufacturing, and garment workshops, while additional complaints came from workers in education, agriculture, hospitality, sanitation, and retail.

The most common violations included wage-related issues, with 97 cases of non-payment or delayed salaries. Jordan’s Labour Law mandates that wages be paid within seven days of their due date, yet many employers fail to comply, leaving workers financially vulnerable. Unpaid overtime was another significant issue, with 70 reported cases, reflecting ongoing wage exploitation. Additionally, 73 cases involved women being denied social security benefits, stripping them of essential protections such as maternity leave. 

Many of the complaints also revealed alarming living conditions. In 62 cases, women reported having their passports and personal documents confiscated, an act that violates both Jordanian and international labour regulations. Others cited the lack of proper sleeping arrangements, long and excessive working hours, and restrictions on movement, raising concerns about forced labour and modern slavery. In more severe instances, 27 cases involved physical violence, 13 cases included sexual harassment and assault, and 11 workers reported being forced to work under threats.

Beyond labor violations, deeper cultural and structural barriers continue to limit women’s workforce participation. Social norms discourage women from pursuing employment, while weak enforcement of labour protections allows violations to persist. The lack of safe and accessible transportation further restricts employment opportunities, particularly for women in rural areas. Additionally, the absence of flexible work arrangements makes it more difficult for women to balance work and personal responsibilities.