How Can Jordan Increase Female Labor Force Participation?
No.
PB 157
Publisher
ERF
Date
March, 2026
Topic
J. Labor and Demographic Economics
- Jordan’s female labor force participation rate (15% as of 2025) is very low.
- Low participation persists despite childcare and maternity leave social insurance policy reforms.
- Childcare operating hours are poorly aligned with women’s work schedules.
- Restrictive gender norms and a strong preference for family-based childcare limit women’s labor force participation and reduce uptake of formal childcare.
Authors
Paloma Avendano
Ph.D. Student, Public Affairs, University of Minnesota
Speakers
Ruotong Li
Ph.D. Student, Applied Economics, University of Minnesota
Research Fellows
Ragui Assaad
Professor and Freeman Chair for International Economic...
Authors
Caroline Krafft
Associate Professor, Humphrey School of Public Affairs,...