On International Equal Pay Day, national and international partners launched a campaign in Jordan to promote fair pay and equal opportunities in the country’s labour market. Led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in cooperation with the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) and under the National Committee for Pay Equity (NCPE), the initiative highlights joint efforts to close the gender pay gap through policies, legislation, and digital tools, reinforcing the principle of justice and fairness in the workplace.
The campaign draws attention to ongoing challenges facing women in Jordan’s labour market, including persistent pay gaps and unequal opportunities, and calls on employers and workers to adopt fair policies that guarantee equality. Despite legislative and institutional reforms in recent years, gender-based pay disparities remain, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to ensure equal pay for work of equal value in line with national laws, international labour standards, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Amal Mowafy, ILO Country Coordinator in Jordan, emphasized the importance of evaluating jobs objectively and gender-neutrally to achieve pay equality. She noted that fair wage determination based on qualifications, responsibilities, effort, and working conditions can help reduce poverty and promote social justice. Citing ILO research, she highlighted that closing gender participation gaps could have significant economic impacts, including a potential 3.9 percent increase in global GDP.
The NCPE, established in 2011 and co-chaired by the Ministry of Labour and JNCW with ILO support, illustrates the need for collaboration among government, employers, workers, and civil society to foster a fair work environment. Maha Ali, Secretary-General of the JNCW, noted that Jordan has made progress in global gender gap rankings, reflecting the impact of national policies and legislation in promoting equal opportunities and worker rights.
Reem Aslan, ILO Decent Work for Women Programme Manager, stressed that International Equal Pay Day is a reminder that work of equal value deserves equal pay everywhere. She highlighted that while international standards and national laws support pay equality, sustained effort is needed to ensure full implementation. One practical measure supporting this effort is the Unified Electronic Contract Platform, launched in 2024 with ILO support for private school and kindergarten workers. This platform enhances wage protection and transparency, particularly in sectors where women are the majority.
The General Union of Workers in Private Education emphasized that the platform, introduced alongside a Collective Bargaining Agreement, ensures accurate, secure, and transparent contractual processes, contributing to fair and organized workplaces. Abdul Hamid Dugan, Secretary General of the Ministry of Labour, highlighted that the platform reflects national commitment to social protection and fair pay in line with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision.
The campaign also coincides with preparations for the 20th meeting of the NCPE, under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma bint Talal, marking the Committee’s 15th anniversary. The meeting will review past achievements and outline the work plan for 2026, reinforcing Jordan’s commitment to closing the gender pay gap and enhancing women’s economic participation. Organized under the Equality@Project and implemented by the ILO in partnership with the Government of Norway, the campaign underscores the country’s dedication to advancing pay equality and inclusive economic development.
