Report urges overhaul of Jordan’s childcare sector to empower women, boost economy

AMMAN — Formal childcare in Jordan remains a cornerstone for empowering working parents, particularly women striving to balance careers and family life. 

Despite its critical role in advancing gender equality and economic participation, the sector grapples with systemic challenges, including scarce access, prohibitive costs and uneven quality standards.

A recent report under the Mashreq Gender Facility—a World Bank-IFC initiative supported by the governments of Canada and Norway, reveals stark gaps in childcare availability. 

The study, which provides technical assistance to Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon to bolster women’s economic participation, found that licensed childcare facilities in Jordan can serve fewer than 3 per cent of children under five. 

With a total capacity of 33,400 slots nationwide, the system falls drastically short of meeting the needs of the country’s 1.48 million children in this age group.

The report also highlighted inequities in access, noting that families in lower-income neighbourhoods struggle to find licensed facilities, particularly centre-based options, due to geographic disparities. 

It also raised concerns about caregiver qualifications, highlighting that public school nurseries often employ staff with lower credentials compared with private counterparts.

To address these gaps, the report recommends strengthening institutional frameworks, expanding affordable service models- such as community-based or employer-sponsored programmes—and prioritising vulnerable populations through subsidies. 

Ogareet T, a childcare worker, stressed the need for holistic early childhood development, emphasising emotional support and school readiness. 

She warned that unlicensed facilities, often lacking safety standards, remain widespread. 

Educator Maha Manaseer echoes concerns about affordability and accessibility, noting that proximity to workplaces or homes is a major barrier for working mothers. 

“Reforming childcare isn’t just about convenience—it’s vital for Jordan’s social and economic future,” she said, underscoring the urgency of building a trustworthy, inclusive system.