Amman: The General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions (GFJTU) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have embarked on a collaborative six-month project named “The Power of Trade Unions for a More Inclusive and Gender-Equal World of Work.” This initiative aims to boost women’s involvement in unions and integrate equality and non-discrimination into national policies.

According to Jordan News Agency, the agreement was signed by GFJTU President Khaled Fanatseh and ILO Country Coordinator in Jordan Amal Mowafi. The signing event was attended by Reem Aslan, Director of the Decent Work for Women Program, along with project team members and GFJTU representatives.

Fanatseh remarked that the project is a testament to the longstanding partnership with the ILO, which is based on mutual goals of improving labor laws, broadening social protection, and promoting decent work standards. He emphasized that the project is aligned with GFJTU’s strategic plan to enhance women’s access to leadership roles within unions and bolster their participation in union activities.

Mowafi emphasized the significance of the partnership at this juncture, highlighting it as a commitment to support workers and cultivate a more inclusive and equal work environment. She acknowledged the Federation’s expertise and its ability to reach vulnerable groups, such as women, migrant and refugee workers, and persons with disabilities.

Mowafi expressed optimism that the project would increase awareness of rights, boost women’s union participation, and strengthen the incorporation of equality and non-discrimination in social dialogue and national policies.

Aslan elaborated that the project involves social dialogue sessions with government, employers, workers, and other partners to address issues such as the care economy, workplace violence and harassment, women’s leadership empowerment, and the transition to a green economy.

She mentioned that these discussions will produce policy papers with recommendations to be presented at a national conference on international labor standards. Additionally, legal awareness sessions will be organized for female workers across various economic sectors, and the monitoring of the unified electronic contract platform in private education will be conducted.

This collaboration is part of the “Equality at Work” project, supported by the Government of the Kingdom of Norway and implemented through the ILO’s Decent Work for Women program.