A study done by the Information and Research Centre of the King Hussein Foundation (IRCKHF), entitled “Social Security Reforms in Jordan and Women's Employment in the Private Sector,” based on interviews with 20 private sector employees and questionnaires with employed and unemployed women in Amman and Irbid, shows that 51,7% of women said that marriage, children, social customs, low paid salaries, and the lack of job opportunities are obstacles to female participation in work. The study, also, showed that half of the employers agree despite the fact that, according to them, women participation in work became easier in the previous decade.
According to the study, social security reforms changed recruitment policies. Two employers mentioned that the reforms changed their recruitment policies and encouraged women employment since maternity leave is now covered by social security. Most employers, however, mentioned that the reforms do not have a huge impact because recruitment depends on the company’s needs and the worker’s competence.
Other sources mentioned that marriage and kids will oblige women to take more holidays which makes them less productive at work.
The study showed that discriminatory and patriarchal recruitment policies are found more in small businesses, especially the ones that offer unofficial employment policies.
The study, also, mentioned that 75% of women were asked about their civil status during interviews which decreased their chances to get the job.
The study shows that the lack of childcare services and the high prices they offer are one of the main reasons why women leave work after giving birth.
It, also, argues that social security is an important factor. 87% of women agree that their decision to accept a job partially depends on social security.
#Jordan #women_employment #social_security #low_salaries
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