Promoting and Protecting Women’s Rights in the Workplace project concluded with a closing ceremony on 28 June 2026 in Amman, under the patronage of Jordan's Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa. Co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Al-Hayat Center – RASED and ActionAid Arab Region, the initiative aimed to promote safer, fairer, and more inclusive workplaces for women across Jordan. The ceremony featured recognition of companies that met the Women-Friendly Label standards and reflections from participating companies and civil society organizations on sustaining such practices.
Minister Bani Mustafa stressed that women's empowerment goes beyond increasing employment opportunities to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive workplaces that guarantee equal opportunities, professional development, and dignity. She noted that these efforts align with Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision and national priorities to increase women's economic participation. She also highlighted the recently launched Institutional Seal for Supporting and Empowering Women in the Public and Private Sectors, developed in cooperation with the King Abdullah II Center for Excellence, describing it as an important national step toward institutionalizing gender equality.
European Union Ambassador to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, affirmed that the EU is proud to support the project, given its importance in promoting women's rights and economic empowerment within safe, fair, and inclusive work environments. He added that women's participation in the labour market is not only a matter of equality but also a fundamental pillar of development, growth, and social and economic stability. He noted that the project presented a practical model for translating the principles of equality and equal opportunity into applicable standards within companies and institutions.
ActionAid Arab Region Programmes Manager Sanaa Al Hiyari said that the project has demonstrated the power of partnership in advancing gender equality and decent work in Jordan. She explained that the project listened to women's experiences, worked alongside employers and civil society organizations, and supported the development of workplace policies and practices that foster safer, more equitable, and inclusive working environments. Dr. Amer Bani Amer, Director General of Al-Hayat Center – RASED, affirmed that the project represents a practical step toward transforming commitments to women's rights into measurable institutional standards, creating space for dialogue between women, employers, civil society organisations, and public institutions.
The project partners stressed that the initiative lays the foundation for expanding the Women-Friendly Label, encouraging more institutions to adopt gender-responsive workplace policies, and continuing to advance women's economic empowerment in Jordan through strong partnerships and continued support from the European Union. The project is expected to have a positive impact on Jordanian women by improving workplace safety and inclusion, while benefiting employers through enhanced reputation and access to a broader talent pool. National authorities gain a model for institutionalizing gender equality, and the EU strengthens its development cooperation footprint in the region.